Robert J. Connolly, Jr.
May 6, 1963 - September 13, 2024
Born on May 6th, 1963 in Rockville Centre, NY, Bob was the son of Maureen (nee Ryan) and the late Robert J. Connolly, Sr.
Bob grew up in East Rockaway as the 4th of 5 children. He found a love for fishing and building things at a young age and was the type of kid who made things fun. Bob went to Cabrini College and graduated in 1985. There he met the love of his life, Joanne (nee Goebel). They were married on August 20th, 1988. Bob went on to receive a Master in Business from Wilmington University. Bob loved where he came from.
Always keeping busy, Bob began his career in banking and then paved his own way as a humble business owner. Later in life, he was able to use his wealth of knowledge and background to work as a franchise business consultant with ServPro - a role that he took to immediately, being the people-person that he was. Bob always had a project around the house, whether it was building a new swing-set or getting a workout in while tending to his garden. He never missed the chance to cross an item off his list. Bob loved what he did.
As a husband, Bob was the type of man who was doting and considerate. He always planned surprises and never missed an opportunity to share a dance. He loved, unwaveringly, through every up and down that life brought and in their 36 years of marriage, he and Joanne were incredible to witness together as a pair. Truly each other’s best friend and teammate. Bob loved being a husband.
Bob was the proud father of Megan and Sean. He was the biggest family man - always showing up for activities and coming on school field trips. He loved watching Megan Irish dance and run in track meets, never missed a game where Sean played in the band and was a huge part of his Eagle Scout journey. He was always the first and loudest cheerleader for his kids in everything they did. Bob was also proud when Kyle joined the family as his son-in-law – he enjoyed being able to share the things he loved with all three of them. Bob loved being their dad.
Aside from fishing and being on his boat, Bob’s most favorite things included traveling with Joanne and their kids and spending summers together in North Wildwood and Cape May, NJ. He loved nothing more than cracking open a cold one while playing a game of Joker with his best friends. Bob was always the first one in the water, no matter how cold it was, and marveled at the sunset each night. Bob loved the beach.
In his final years of life, Bob also got to be BoPop to his two grandsons, James and Luke. He loved doing anything and everything with the boys and was always the first to suggest a bike ride, ice cream date, marble run build, or a dance in the rain. He never turned away from a dirty diaper or crying toddler, and jumped in to lend a helping hand at every opportunity. Bob loved being a grandfather.
Throughout his life, Bob made friends who became family. He had so much joy to share and kept a positive attitude in every situation. He was a hugger and never let you forget that he cared - telling even his friends how much he loved them. Bob was many things to many people but his favorite things to be were a husband, a dad, a BoPop, a brother, and a friend.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Megan (Kyle) and Sean; grandchildren, James and Luke; his mother, Maureen; siblings, Chris (Kelly), Mike (Fiona), Kate and Beth (Tony); in-laws Mary, Cecilia (Tony) and Michele (Jim); aunts Kate and Eileen (Joe); nieces and nephews, Nick, Liz, Mary (Joe), Mike (Jess), Ben, Ryan, Connor, Melissa (Rob), Austen and Abby; great-nephews Maverick and Brooks; and so many beloved friends that he considered family.
Bob was welcomed into Heaven by his father, Robert J. Connolly Sr., his father in law James D. Goebel, and his brother in law Larry Stauffer among many others whom he loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Bob’s name to Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, https://cbtf.org/ or Live Like Larry, https://www.livelikelarry.org/
The family wishes to invite family and friends to a Celebration of Bob’s Life on Friday, September 20, 11:00 am, at Hartefeld National, 1 Hartefeld Drive, Avondale, PA. 19311.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
