Sad News

"Now I have everything I ever wanted" - Tom Connelley

Emily's Grandpa passed away yesterday :(

Thomas Connelley Jr., a retired Newspaper Pressman for The Boston Globe, died unexpectedly at his Norwood home on Friday. He was 67 years old. Tom was an avid fisherman and boating enthusiast who enjoyed long, sun-filled days out on his boat in Boston Harbor. He was happiest when his sons and grandsons were right there with him.
Tom was a life long resident of Norwood who leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly forty years Mary Bernadette (Brennan). The two met dancing at Moseley's on The Charles some 46 years ago. Besides boating, Tom was also a self-taught photographer and naturalist. He could name any bird that showed up on his back deck and challenged others to do the same.

A second-generation pressman, Tom retired from the Boston Globe in 2002 after more than 40 years of service. He enjoyed spending his free time with his four children and four grandchildren. Tom is survived by two daughters and two sons: Kathleen Devlin and Anne Stow both of Foxborough, and Thomas Connelley III of Medfield and James Connelley of Norwood. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Patrick and Cameron Connelley, Liam Devlin, and his new granddaughter Emily Stow. Tom is also survived by his sister Jean Kelleher of Grand Rapids, MI.

Tom was a member of the Boston Pressman's Union #3, the Norwood Sportsmen's Club, The Globe Stream and Forest Club, The Norwood Knights of Columbus and the Dorchester Yacht Club. He loved everything about the outdoors.

"It didn't take much to make Dad happy," said his daughter Kathy. "He enjoyed getting to know his grandsons and granddaughter…it was the simple things in life that kept him going." His daughter Anne will treasure her memories of his quirky sense of humor and his contagious smile. His son Tom fondly remembers his fun-loving nature and the joy he got from spending time with his precious grandchildren. His son James will always remember his love and appreciation of all styles of music, especially Latin and Jazz, and anything by Norah Jones.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Thomas E. Connelley Jr.
Of Norwood, Jan. 13, 2006, suddenly. Beloved husband of Mary B. (Brennan) Connelley. Loving father of Kathleen Devlin of Foxboro, Thomas Connelley III of Medfield, James Connelley of Norwood and Anne Stow of Foxboro. Brother of Jean Kelleher of Grand Rapids, MI. Grandfather of Patrick and Cameron Connelley, Liam Devlin, and Emily Stow. Funeral from the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St. (Rt 1A) NORWOOD on Tues., Jan. 17 at 8 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Catherine's Church at 9 AM. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 PM. Interment Highland Cemetery, Norwood. In lieu of flowers donations in Thomas' memory may be made to Norwood Circle of Hope, 165 Nahatan St., Norwood, MA 02062. Late retired: Boston Globe Pressman. Late member Norwood Knights of Columbus #252.