Mr. Richard L. "Rich" Connolly

Mr. Richard L. “Rich” Connolly, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Mohawk Valley Health Systems at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Born in Utica on April 18, 1943, Richard was the son of the late Kenneth and Harriett (Godfrey) Connolly. Raised and educated locally, he graduated from Leonardsville Central School and subsequently received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from Utica College. On May 31, 1985 he married his best friend, the former Patricia “Patty” DeRosa, and shared with her an enduring relationship characterized by an abiding love and devotion; the two would have celebrated their 29th anniversary on Saturday. Rich worked as a Real Estate Broker and was a former owner of Re/Max Realty Results. He will be best remembered as a good family man, a loyal friend, and a kind person. He was blessed with an honest and lighthearted nature. He prided himself on caring for his family, and he always thought of them as his first priority. He was an avid traveler and an adventurous cook who shared his homemade meals with his loved ones. He was a member of the New York State Association of Realtors and served on its Board of Directors and on several committees. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Rich is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Tammy Connolly of Riverview, FL; his step-children, Terry Currier, Tammy Schwahn, and Tim Currier; his grandchildren, Kirby Connolly, Christopher and Pesla Huyck, Richard Huyck, Shayna Huyck, Chelsea and Michael Scheuerman, and Brianna Currier; and his great-granddaughter, Olivia Huyck. Also left to remember him are his sister, Catherine Jakubowski and Norman Schworm of Burlington Flats; his brothers and sister-in-law, Robert and Jan Connolly of Peru, IN, and David Connolly; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, in-laws Mary and John Wolf, Linda and Robert Kula, and Nicholas A. “Nick” and Donna DeRosa; and his many dear and cherished friends, especially Virna Thibault and Michael and Tom Maugeri. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Connolly; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dominick A. “Doc” and Laura DeRosa. The family extends gratitude to Dr. Manzurul Sikder and his staff, and Dr. William Ryan, for all their support and compassion. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation to the SUNY IT Foundation or St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Richard’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 9:00 at the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Richard L. "Rich" Connolly

April 18, 1943 - May 25, 2014