Robert P. Connolly
Hollis - Robert ‘Bob’ Connolly, age 69, embarked on his final and most epic shunpike adventure on Friday December 6th from Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Scarborough after a short illness.
He was born in Berlin New Hampshire on January 14, 1955, the son of the late Paul and Juliette ‘Julie’ (Riendeau) Connolly.
After graduating from Falmouth High School, he went on to graduate from the University of Southern Maine Gorham Campus in 1981 with a BA in Criminal Justice. He was a proud member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, Brother #35.
He married Karen (Harris) Connolly in 1989. He told her daily “You’re my bestest friend in the whole wide world,” to which she would reply “No, you’re MY bestest friend in the whole wide world,” after which they would giggle and roll their eyes. He had the best smile and laugh, and a pun-y sense of humor. He would often tell people that only left-handed people were in their right mind.
While in college he worked as a AAA dispatcher, a Pari Mutuel Teller at Scarborough Downs and a menswear salesman at Benoit’s in Portland. He was known as a “dapper dresser” and was featured as a model in a 1976 Maine Sunday Telegram article about men’s hats. After graduation he worked for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in Portland, the Maine Correctional Center in Windham and the Hallowell pre-release center. He worked at DHHS as a support enforcement agent, as a private duty security officer, a bookseller at WaldenBooks and Borders in South Portland, and a bankruptcy counselor. He was part owner of a computer business, and concluded his work career as a volunteer driver for both YCCAP and RTP.
Growing up Bob enjoyed solo hiking in the White Mountains carrying a pack basket, a can of Dinty Moore beef stew and a black thorn walking stick made by his dad. Over time he amassed an impressive collection of hand carved and unique walking sticks. He grew up in a musical family where “kitchen breakdowns” were common. He bemoaned the fact that the only thing he could play was the radio, and that he could only carry a tune in a bucket. He enjoyed music ranging from Schooner Fare to Native American, old-time fiddle, Celtic, Motown and oldies. He even enjoyed the occasional bagpipe tune and proudly wore a scarf made of the Maine State Tartan.
He enjoyed playing darts and pinball in a variety of Portland establishments and was always up for trivia night. He knew a little bit about almost everything. He was a masterful Trivial Pursuit player and would have done well as a contestant on Jeopardy. At one point he decided to take up smoking a pipe, and had a unique collection.
Bob was an avid reader and was perpetually surrounded by shelves and stacks of books covering an expansive array of topics. He was passionate about Native American and Celtic culture. He had an impressive collection of silver and turquois men’s “bling” that he wore with pride. He enjoyed collecting guns and target shooting. When asked if he and Karen might ever divorce, he always replied honestly, and with a smile “No, because she’s a better shot than I am.”
He enjoyed old and classic cars. He was equally comfortable at pow wows, highland games or a Ceilidh.
Bob enjoyed snowshoe hiking, off road cycling, being near the water, shunpiking to the 4 corners of Maine and beyond, staying at B&B’s and walking in road races! He finished multiple 5ks, at least 2 10k’s (including the 10th annual Beach to Beacon) and 3 half marathons. His proudest racing accomplishment was finishing the Maine Marathon in 2002. He enjoyed traveling to Cape Cod, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maritime Canada. He and Karen celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary in Ireland. A trip to Newfoundland was next on their bucket list.
In the words of one of his very best friends, Chris Frappier, Bob was “always loyal, always there and always up for an adventure.”
His brother-in-law, Scott Harris noted that Bob was “…One of those cool dudes that could carry the ‘over 60’ ponytail. Had an amazing, funny, articulate, in-depth, historical story for every conversation. His in-depth knowledge of books and authors made him THE sought-out guy at Borders. We would spend a Saturday afternoon discussing the merits and differences in various whiskeys. I was excited to find something new to me, only to find Bob going into detail about it…”.
Bob’s “whiskey journey” started when his dad introduced him to what would become his favorite ‘refreshing adult beverage’ of all time, Tullamore Dew.
He is predeceased by his parents and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his wife and Anam Cara (Gaelic for soul friend) of 35 years Karen (Harris) Connolly, his feline fur boys Batman and Joker, goddaughters Monica Snelling of Connecticut and Emma Frappier of Vermont; Aunts Theresa Riendeau, Jeanne Daigle and husband Roland of New Hampshire; Georgette Parker and husband Marvin of Texas; Kathy Riendeau of New Hampshire; special cousin Louise Lafrancois and husband Bo of New Hampshire and numerous other cousins; Aunt Della (Connolly) Robinson and cousins Gail and Jim Robinson of Florida; brother-in-law Scott Harris and wife Terrie of Maine, sister-in-law Debbie Midgette and husband Dameron of New Mexico, and several nieces and nephews-in-law.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday December 21st at 4 p.m. at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road, Buxton. Burial will be in the Spring. Online condolence messages and memories can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com.
A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the Memorial Service at 5:30 p.m. at Birdies Grill and Tavern, 168 Saco Road, Old Orchard Beach. Come prepared to share your favorite Bob story!
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk ME 04094 or online at www.animalwelfaresociety.org; or Hospice of Southern Maine, 390 US Rt. 1, Scarborough ME 04074, or online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/donate.