ALTON BAY ---- Brian Joseph Connelly of Alton Bay, NH, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 26, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He was 76.
Brian was born in Springfield, MA to Joseph and Mary “Bernice” Kenney Connelly, the middle of two siblings, Timothy and Patrice. He graduated from Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, MA followed by East Coast Aero Tech, where he studied Aero Mechanics and earned his A&P license.
With his first wife, Judith, Brian invested in property at Lake Winnipesaukee during the Summer of 1977, which would later go on to be the location of their family’s summer home and a place near and dear to his heart. Judith and Brian spent 30 years raising their two boys in Bedford, NH and Alton Bay, NH.
As an avid skier and accomplished ski racer, frequenting mountains throughout the Northeast, Brian introduced the boys at an early age to Ski Club at Gunstock Mountain, becoming part of their weekend routine throughout the years.
In 2010, Brian married Karen, who remained by his side through his final days. Together they enjoyed spending time between Alton Bay and Cape Coral, FL with family and friends, and countless boating adventures over the years.
Brian was an accomplished entrepreneur, opening his first hearth retail store, Fireplace Village, in Auburn, MA, later expanding to multiple locations throughout New England and a wholesale division. In addition to Fireplace Village, Brian invested in real estate, property development, and one of his true passions, powerboating, where he remained a dealer for Nor-Tech Performance Boats.
Beyond Brian’s notable accomplishments, he will be most remembered for being a loving husband, father, grampie and friend to many. Brian is survived by his loving wife Karen Connelly, sons; Greg Connelly (wife Jules) of Bedford, NH, Gary Connelly (wife Amanda) of Alton Bay, NH, stepson; Craig Belanger of Portland, ME, brother; Timothy Connelly (wife Carol) of Edgartown, MA, his grandchildren; Isabella, Finley, Emma, Maverick and Boden. He was predeceased by his sister Patrice.
Brian lived his life to the fullest, having “No Agenda”. Calling hours will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 4:00pm-6:00pm, at 105 Rt11D, Alton Bay, NH,
A Celebration of Life will be held for all who wish to remember Brian the first weekend of June 2024.
For those who wish, please consider making a donation to Easterseals New Hampshire, in Brian’s memory. https://www.easterseals.com/nh/ways-to-give/donate.html
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.