James J. Connolly, age 87, of Andover, MA, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2024. Jim was raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, son of the late James J. Connolly and the late Helen Connolly (nee Coleman), along with brothers Robert, and Walter who predeceased him, and David of Montclair, NJ.
After graduating St. Peter's High school in Jersey City, NJ, he attended St. Joseph's College in Philadelphia (Class of 1958) where he studied physics and was a member of the track team. He received a Master's degree from Villanova University (1967).
In 1960 he married Gayle Conaty of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. They had three children, Catherine Longwell (Mark) of Carlisle, MA; James (Rosemarie) of Philadelphia, PA; and Mark (Becky) of Andover, MA.
Jim is survived by Gayle, his wife of 63 years, his children Catherine Longwell (Mark); Jim Connolly (Rosemarie); and Mark (Becky); 10 grandchildren: Amy (Kirk), Sam (Jane) and Grace; Mary Pat (Thomas), James, Theresa, John and Helen; Joe and Fiona; his greatgrandchildren Jack Connolly and Thomas Joyce. He will be missed by his beloved brother Dave, many nieces, and many nephews, especially Julia Siders and Susan Connolly.
Jim had a career in the defense and microelectronics industries culminating in a leadership position with Adams-Russell, followed by consulting and board positions.
As a lifelong sports fan, Jim's favorite pursuit was cheering on his grandchildren in track, basketball, soccer and more. He enjoyed golf, travel, and many longtime friendships having recently joined a monthly meet up on Zoom with St. Peter's Prep classmates. He was an active member of the community at the Merrimack College chapel and St. Augustine's parish.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours, Friday morning, January 19th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St., Andover. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11: 30 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at West Parish Garden Cemetery, Andover. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, www.dan-farber.org. Arrangements by the McLaughlin -Dello Russo Family Funeral Service of Woburn.