John E. Connelly
Retired Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department Corrections Officer
TEWKSBURY: John E. Connelly, age 63, a resident of Tewksbury for 15 years, and a lifelong Notre Dame Football fan, passed away at Nashua Crossings in Nashua, NH on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
He was the beloved husband of Lisa M. (Aurigemma) Connelly with whom he shared 19 years of marriage.
Born in Malden on August 21, 1957, he was the son of the late Matthew Connelly and the late Christina (Gallant) Connelly.
John was raised in Malden and graduated from Malden Catholic High School in 1975. Following graduation, he attended Boston State College, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 1979.
John resided in Malden until moving to Tewksbury in 2006.
Prior to his retirement, John was employed for 32 years as a Correction’s Officer by the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department.
He was a member of the Malden Irish American Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians Club of Malden.
John was a longtime counselor and mentor at Camp Joslin in Charlton, MA. In addition, he received Joslin’s 50 year Medal for his own longtime battle with Type 1 Diabetes.
He enjoyed keeping fit, and competed in many area road races, playing golf, and participating in numerous other physical activities.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Sean A. Connelly of Tewksbury and Gia E. Ciccolo of Revere; three brothers, Michael J. Connelly and his wife Jean of South Weymouth, Joseph M. Connelly and his wife Diane of Malden, and Richard P. Connelly and his wife Donna of Stoneham. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Calling hours in adherence to State Covid-19 guidelines will be Sunday, Feb. 21, from 2-4 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Family and friends are invited to meet at 12 Noon on Monday, Feb. 22, at St. Dorothy’s Church, cor. of Main & Harnden Sts., Wilmington for his Funeral Mass (Church limited to 75 attendees). Masks/ social distancing required at all venues. Following cremation, interment of his ashes will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring his memory may be made to Joslin Diabetes at www.joslin.org