WEST SPRINGFIELD – Edward J. Connolly, 95, of West Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. He passed into Eternal Life at Heritage Hall East in Agawam surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Springfield on March 13, 1926, a beloved son of the late Edward J. and Linda J. (Kavanagh) Connolly. He was raised in the Brightwood section of the North End where he formed lifelong friendships and met the girl he would marry. He and Emily Olbrych were married at the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Chicopee on November 25, 1950 and were blessed with over 70 years of happiness together. They moved to West Springfield in 1968 where they have resided ever since. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and attained the rank of Seaman Second Class. He was employed as a City Messenger for Mayor Daniel Brunton and later was an Inspector of Weights and Measures. He was last employed at the Bulk Mail Center on Fiberloid Street in Indian Orchard. He was an avid hunter and member of the Sportsmen's Club and the West Springfield Senior Center. He was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield. Besides his wife, he leaves his many cherished nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his dear brother, John "Jack" Connolly and his wife, Jane; and his two dear sisters, Linda "Jo" Fitzgerald and her husband, Thomas, and Rita F. Hoare and her husband, John. His family will receive friends on Thursday morning, November 4, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. His burial with United States Navy Military Honors will follow the Mass at Saint Stanislaus Cemetery, 800 Montgomery Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. Masks are recommended for the services. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the West Springfield Senior Center, 128 Park Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com