Enjoyed swimming, boating and gardening
MELROSE — Stephen J. Connolly Jr. of Melrose died at Melrose Wakefield Hospital surrounded by his family on October 23 at the age of 91.
He was born on August 4, 1932 in Lynn to the late Stephen and Alice Connolly. Steve was raised in Lynn and attended Saint Mary’s High School. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Patricia McGillicuddy.
Steve was a salesman for Unical for over 35 years. Much to Pat’s surprise, he was infamous for arriving home from work with unannounced dinner guests that were salesmen traveling from other states. Steve felt that they should enjoy a home cooked meal.
He was ahead of his time providing much needed assistance around the house with laundry, cooking and cleaning. Steve was an avid outdoorsman and passed his passions for skiing, hiking, fishing and pond skating on to his children and grandchildren. In his early years, he enjoyed hiking and camping in the
White Mountains and was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Steve enjoyed skiing well into his 70s. He spent his retirement years with his wife, children and grandchildren at his beloved Lake Winnipesaukee house where he enjoyed his love of swimming and boating. He also spent his time gardening and perfecting his yard. Steve was a volunteer at Saint Mary’s church and school and after retirement, he provided medical transportation through the FISH program.
Steve was the beloved husband of 60 years to the late Patricia (McGillicuddy) Connolly. Loving father of Alison Nastari and her husband Michael of Andover; Julie Comerford and her husband David of Reading; Jerry Connolly and his wife Kim of Dorchester; and Stephen Connolly and his wife Yami of Houston, TX. Proud “Papa” of Lauren, Erin, Katherine, Matthew, Patrick, Jack, Colin and Yamilita. Also survived by his sister Ellenor and her husband Sergio Alvarez of Arnold, MD. Predeceased by his siblings Sister Alice Connolly, Thomas and Mary Cullinane.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, October 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. Procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Monday, October 30 at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions, may be made in Steve’s memory to St. Mary’s Church, 46 Myrtle St., Melrose, MA 02176. To sign online condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com.