James J. Connelly Sr.
James J. Connelly, Sr., 88, of 272 Bolivar Drive, Bradford, passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021.
Born March 29, 1932 in Bradford, he was a son of the late Edward and Pauline (Ryan) Connelly.
Jim attended Bradford schools. He enlisted in the United States Army on July 27, 1949. He served at the Panama Canal as a mechanic. He was honorably discharged on December 3, 1952.
On January 30, 1954 in St. Francis Church, he married Joan (Walaski) Connelly who preceded him in death on November 15, 1999.
After the service Jim returned to Bradford and began his career as a mechanic at the Ford Garage. In 1965 he opened Connelly’s Quaker State Service Station on East Main St. In 1990 he moved Connelly’s Auto Service to North Kendall Ave. He operated the station until 2004, when he retired. He enjoyed serving his customers over the years, many of whom he considered dear friends.
He was a member of St. Francis Church, was a former member of the American Legion and the VFW.
In his spare time he could be found tending to his flowers, vegetable gardens, and spending time with his shelties. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.
Surviving are two daughters, Julie (Paul) Cannon, of Bradford, and Helen (John) Morgan, of Erie, two sons, James J. (Jill) Connelly Jr., of Bradford, and Thomas M. (Jen Lindquist) Connelly, of Bradford, 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan, of 45 years, four brothers, Anthony "Tony" Connelly, Robert Connelly, and Michael Connelly, Edward Connelly, and one sister, Carol A. Murphy.
Friends are invited to livestream this service at www.hollenbeckcahill.com (use East Main camera) at 1:00pm on Thursday, February 4, 2021, with Fr. Jim Gutting, Senior Associate, officiating, followed by Military Honor's by members of the United States Army. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arraignments are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
All Condolences -
Condolences to Jim and Tom and families....
— David M. WELLS
To Jim and family. We are sad to hear of the loss of your dad and our sincere prayers are with you.
— John and Maureen Watson
Good man. Great family
— William graham
Sending good vibes from Morgantown ??
— Justin
Julie and family we are so sorry for your loss. May he Rest In Peace ????
— Donna Cannon/Hall
May he rest in piece!
— Tony & Mary Rentz
Sincerest condolences to Jim''s family. He was a great man & He will truly be missed.
— Deb Kline
Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed Jim''s sense of humor, his frankness and his Al Jolson impersonations. While he worked on my cars from time to time, I''ll remember him always, side by side with Jolson- another one of the greatest..
— Grant Nichols
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending our sympathies. He will be missed.
— Steve and Terrie Mascho
Jim & Jill, my sympathy and condolences. Your father was a good man.
— Mike McKenyon
Helen, John, Julie and Colleen - Our family send our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you on the loss of the patriarch of your family. Remember all the wonderful times you had with your father and grandfather over the many years. Tom, Linda , Kim and Ryan Wallace
— Thomas Wallace
Jim, Jill and family - our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
— Val & Dean Meacham
I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace. Prayers to your family
— Tina Dunkle
I''m Sorry to hear about y''alls loss sending prayers n hugs to all from afar...
?? May he rest in peace... ??
— Judyann Antonio
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good neighbor & friends to us. He will be missed .
— mary dynda
Our deepest sympathy during this devastating time with the loss of your dad. May your beautiful memories bring you peace and comfort. Marty & Kris Sapko
— Kris & Marty Sapko
So very sorry for your loss. I had a great time having lunch with him when he stayed in Mckean. Helen & John & Connelly family are in my prayers.
— Charlie Windsor
My thoughts and prayers to your family. Your Dad was one of a kind. I''m so very sorry for your loss.
— Joannie Galati Ransom
Jim, Tom & Family so very sorry for your loss I think of you two often.
— frances kinney
Jim, Tom & Family Sorry to hear of your loss. He was a great man & will be missed by many.
— Carl Milks
So very sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind and will be dearly missed.
— The Farrell Family
We are so very sorry for the loss of your father. He will be missed by anyone that knew him. You know that he will always be watching over all of you.
Praying God''s Peace Over All of You.
— Teri & Greg Cannon
So sorry for the loss of your father. Our family has many fond memories of listening to the stories he and my father would tell us when the got together. He is a perfect example of a member of The Greatest Generation. Very kind and generous and how he made us laugh. He loved so many, and we loved him.
— CHRISTIE MORGAN
Jim, Tom and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. A great man who raised great sons.
— Fran and Janet Bottone
To the Connelly family.So sorry for your loss. Condolences and prayers to all.
— Kathy Keyes
Julie, Tom, Jim and families,
Our thoughts and hearts are with you during this time. We''re so sorry for your loss.
Jim was a special person in our lives, too. He took great care of our vehicles for many years and it was a pleasure to stop at the shop and visit with him.
May the happy memories that you made together be a consolation today and all the days ahead. We send you our sincere condolences and sympathies.
— Debbie and John Place