CONNELLY, SR., JOHN (JACK)

CONNELLY, SR., JOHN (JACK) John T "Jack" Connelly Sr. of North Wildwood NJ, peacefully passed away on February 29, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born on August 11,1937 to the late Andrew and Martha (nee: Long). Brother of the late Margaret (Margie) Connelly. Beloved husband and best friend of 64 years to Kathleen Connelly. Loving father of John "Jack" (Maggie) Connelly, Brian (Kelly) Connelly and Patrick (Patricia Mahoney) Connelly. Dearest grandfather to Brian (Kate) Connelly Jr., Kaitlin Connelly, Brianne Connelly, Patrick (Daria) Connelly, Sean (Meghan) Connelly, Elise Connelly, John Ryan Connelly and proud great grandfather of Bryce, Augustus, and Benjamin. Sadly, he will also be missed by his many brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Jack was raised in South Philadelphia and was proud of his Sacred Heart Parish roots. Jack met the love of his life, Kathleen Sullivan, at a Murphy Rec. dance and later they married and raised their sons on Fitzgerald Street before they moved to Turnersville NJ. Jack was a proud member of the International Longshoremen's Association where he was a crane operator at the Tioga Marine Terminal. In 1995, he retired and fulfilled his dream of moving to North Wildwood NJ where he became involved in the Ancient Order of Hibernians Cape May County Division 1, eventually becoming president for ten years, contributing to the success of the Irish Fall Festival. Jack also enjoyed his bartending job at Keenan's Irish Pub where he spent time on both sides of the bar and on the dance floor jitterbugging with his wife Kathleen. Jack made countless friends wherever he went. In later years he liked to spend time at home on his deck making memories with family. He will be remembered as a strong willed, charismatic, soft -hearted gentleman and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was the heart and soul of our family! Relatives, friends, members of the North Wildwood ELKS 1896 and AOH Cape May Co Div.1 were invited to his viewing Wednesday morning, March 6, 2024 from 9:30-10:50 am at St. Ann Church; 2901 Atlantic Ave. Wildwood, NJ 08260. His Funeral Mass wascelebrated at 11am. Burial will be private. Family prefers, memorial donations to be made in Jack's name to St. Ann's Church.