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June 28, 2009
Services
Funeral services will be held 9:30 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2009 from the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne then to Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Rd., Wayne where at 10:30 AM Funeral Mass will be offered.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home.
Immediately below is the eulogy read by Joe's son Brendan.
Good Morning, and thank you all for your support and love during such difficult times. Today, I am going to share with you a letter I wrote to my dad, Joe, to take to Heaven with him.
July 2, 2009
Dear Daddy,
I want you to know that we are celebrating your life, and we are at peace with the fact that there is no more suffering on your end. We miss you dearly, but I am so happy that you are able to see the wonderful Grandparents I was not able to meet, and the friends that we’ve missed throughout the years. I look forward to the day when we are all together again, and we can have a “Saturday Night Dinner” every night, because like a teacher’s summer vacation, every day in Heaven is a Saturday! But first, remember the good times that we had.
Dad, I think Heaven is like an all-inclusive vacation that lasts every day forever. I’m not sure if there are roller coasters or rides like the ones in Myrtle Beach, but don’t worry, nobody will force you to go if there are. One great thing about Heaven must be, that your sun burns will never be like the ones you would get while we were in the Carolinas. But the party life style has to be the same. Although you won’t look like a lobster with your sunburn, you can eat it as much as you want. I’m not sure it tastes better though, then the time we went to Boston after our beloved Red Sox won the World Series, and you ordered a lobster tail salad and a Heineken at Durgin Park, for a mere total of $39.00. Not only was that lobster tail wonderful for you, but I think it tasted just as SWEET as my skimpy little grilled chicken wrap and water bottle for $13.00.
Our trips to North Carolina and Fenway Park were great. But I want you to know that the day you passed, I sat and admired the views we cherished, and wished for one more Army football game together at West Point. I am so happy to have continued the patriarchal tradition of Army games together and can’t wait to smile and throw the football to my kids and tell them of all the fun we had. However, much to your chagrin, I will not leave at the end of the 3rd quarter, because my kids and I will NEVER care about the 3:30 Notre Dame game, no matter if there last name is Connelly. Instead, I will go back to the parking lot and think of how our family always came together. I will enjoy being with my children and telling them about how great their Grandfather was, and just smile and throw the football with them. After the first pass is thrown at maximum velocity and knocks the wind out of my child, I will tell them that I’m making them better, just like you did to me. If they cry more than I did, I will be so annoyed.
Dad, you never missed any of my games, except for one—and up until you were gone, it was the worst day I ever had. I learned from that High School game I pitched in Mahwah, but more importantly, I appreciated how nervous and excited you were for me, and cannot imagine how you must have felt to decide that you couldn’t go that day. I don’t fault you for that, because you saw me succeed on the baseball field and other athletic events so many times. Home Runs were fun, but winning was even better—something I am so proud of. You taught Kevin and me that teamwork is more important than individual accolades. It has carried over in all aspects of our lives. The willingness to sacrifice for the better of the team is exactly how you lived your life, and I am forever thankful. You sacrificed thousands of dollars in order to send Kevin and me to college, and to drive cars. You worked at night school so Mommy could stay home with us until we were 10, to ensure that we were raised properly. You went back to school and worked summer jobs while we were young so that we could live in a nice house in Wayne. A house that you practically stole for $189,000.
Living in Wayne for the past 18 years has been something we’ve all loved. Who knew that we would meet so many exceptional friends who are here today to say goodbye? Who knew we’d have neighbors like Billy and Jona who would become family…when we already moved away from neighbors in Haledon who were also like family. Who knew that being able to participate in athletics in Wayne, and the chance to be a part of a great school system would prepare me for life? These questions I’ve asked over and over again, and they couldn’t have been done without your willingness and dedication to work and to love.
Perhaps, you loved the PCTI of higher learning so much, that you were inspired to work with the “Teck” kids at night and in the summer. You may have questioned your occupation several times, but if it weren’t for Tech, you would have never met Mommy. So let me get this straight again, mom dumped a Dallas Cowboy football player for you? Wow Dad, you had some serious game! As you know, she is still the same after all 24 years, 311 days of marriage. She is the champion we all know, and is relieved that you are in a better place. Kevin and I will always take care of her. You always said to, “Meet a woman half as good as your mother.” As much as I love Mom, I look forward to the challenge. I know you will give me a sign of approval when I need to know if ‘she is the one.’
As your former co-worker, I have to let you know how comforting the Wyckoff teachers have been. They miss you and have supported me in ways that I cannot explain. It is a special place, and I’m glad that I was able to meet the same teachers with whom you worked. I don’t think I’ll ever be as popular as you were in Wyckoff. In Heaven, it is not a requirement to work on Mondays, so enjoy Enjoy Sunday Night Football and late night sports games in Heaven, because there will never be a cold, rainy, Monday morning, again. Your $90 per day was something that we didn’t need, but you cared more for the professional environment and personal satisfaction of achievement. And Dad…Thanks for not showing any of my new friends my baby pictures or doing anything that I’d consider completely inappropriate.
Dad, you taught us so much. You’ve inspired so many. I’ve followed in your footsteps as a teacher not only because I like to help people, but because I want to be able to be on the same schedule as my kids, and your grandkids one day. And to never miss a game or a practice, and to have a meal together every night--something that we valued so greatly. You taught me great lessons, such as:
• Live life to the fullest • Don’t Ever Quit • Do the right thing • Try your Best • Marry your Best Friend
And the preeminent lesson you’ve ever taught, was that God was there for us, and he does exist. The signs leading to your passing were so obvious. Because of the way things finished here on earth, I have no doubts in my mind that you will live eternally, and that you will check in with us all--just so we know that you are there. One day, I hope to be as great a father and husband as you. And when it is my time, we will be together again as a family for more Saturday Night Dinners, and you can say, “This is what they are having in Heaven tonight.” I will not say goodbye, just “Thanks.”
I love you, Daddy.
Obituary
Joseph D. Connelly of Wayne died Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the St. Josephs Hospital, Paterson.
He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Haledon before moving to Wayne eighteen years ago.
Joseph was an English teacher for the Passaic County Technical Institute, Wayne for twenty-seven years before retiring in 2004.
He was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, Wayne.
Joseph was a US Army Veteran during the Vietnam War Period.
He graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and went on to receive his Masters Degree in Administration-Supervision from William Paterson University in Wayne.
Joseph met his wife Lynn while working at the Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne. Their first date was to a movie; Lynn hated the movie and Joe loved it. This would become a long time joke of the family. The movies Joe loved were not enjoyed by any other family member.
They married on August 18, 1984 at St. Theresas RC Church in Paterson with Lynn’s brother Rev. Fr. Edward Reading officiating, before they honeymooned in St. Thomas. Joe always said he married his "best friend."
He was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to watching his two sons play. Joe's fondest memories included watching sporting events with his family at various venues, especially West Point and Fenway Park. Joe spent much time with his "other family members," his dogs: Boomer and Mikey.
He is the beloved husband of Lynn(Reading) Connelly; loving father of Brendan and Kevin Connelly of Wayne and Jennifer and Catherine; loved brother of John G., Peter, and Edmund Connelly all of NY and MaryEllen Edwards of FL.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the John Theurer Cancer Center - Head & Neck Division, c/o Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be appreciated.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Funeral services will be held 9:30 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2009 from the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne then to Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Rd., Wayne where at 10:30 AM Funeral Mass will be offered.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home.
June 28, 2009
Services
Funeral services will be held 9:30 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2009 from the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd., Wayne then to Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, 580 Ratzer Rd., Wayne where at 10:30 AM Funeral Mass will be offered.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home.
Immediately below is the eulogy read by Joe's son Brendan.
Good Morning, and thank you all for your support and love during such difficult times. Today, I am going to share with you a letter I wrote to my dad, Joe, to take to Heaven with him.
July 2, 2009
Dear Daddy,
I want you to know that we are celebrating your life, and we are at peace with the fact that there is no more suffering on your end. We miss you dearly, but I am so happy that you are able to see the wonderful Grandparents I was not able to meet, and the friends that we’ve missed throughout the years. I look forward to the day when we are all together again, and we can have a “Saturday Night Dinner” every night, because like a teacher’s summer vacation, every day in Heaven is a Saturday! But first, remember the good times that we had.
Dad, I think Heaven is like an all-inclusive vacation that lasts every day forever. I’m not sure if there are roller coasters or rides like the ones in Myrtle Beach, but don’t worry, nobody will force you to go if there are. One great thing about Heaven must be, that your sun burns will never be like the ones you would get while we were in the Carolinas. But the party life style has to be the same. Although you won’t look like a lobster with your sunburn, you can eat it as much as you want. I’m not sure it tastes better though, then the time we went to Boston after our beloved Red Sox won the World Series, and you ordered a lobster tail salad and a Heineken at Durgin Park, for a mere total of $39.00. Not only was that lobster tail wonderful for you, but I think it tasted just as SWEET as my skimpy little grilled chicken wrap and water bottle for $13.00.
Our trips to North Carolina and Fenway Park were great. But I want you to know that the day you passed, I sat and admired the views we cherished, and wished for one more Army football game together at West Point. I am so happy to have continued the patriarchal tradition of Army games together and can’t wait to smile and throw the football to my kids and tell them of all the fun we had. However, much to your chagrin, I will not leave at the end of the 3rd quarter, because my kids and I will NEVER care about the 3:30 Notre Dame game, no matter if there last name is Connelly. Instead, I will go back to the parking lot and think of how our family always came together. I will enjoy being with my children and telling them about how great their Grandfather was, and just smile and throw the football with them. After the first pass is thrown at maximum velocity and knocks the wind out of my child, I will tell them that I’m making them better, just like you did to me. If they cry more than I did, I will be so annoyed.
Dad, you never missed any of my games, except for one—and up until you were gone, it was the worst day I ever had. I learned from that High School game I pitched in Mahwah, but more importantly, I appreciated how nervous and excited you were for me, and cannot imagine how you must have felt to decide that you couldn’t go that day. I don’t fault you for that, because you saw me succeed on the baseball field and other athletic events so many times. Home Runs were fun, but winning was even better—something I am so proud of. You taught Kevin and me that teamwork is more important than individual accolades. It has carried over in all aspects of our lives. The willingness to sacrifice for the better of the team is exactly how you lived your life, and I am forever thankful. You sacrificed thousands of dollars in order to send Kevin and me to college, and to drive cars. You worked at night school so Mommy could stay home with us until we were 10, to ensure that we were raised properly. You went back to school and worked summer jobs while we were young so that we could live in a nice house in Wayne. A house that you practically stole for $189,000.
Living in Wayne for the past 18 years has been something we’ve all loved. Who knew that we would meet so many exceptional friends who are here today to say goodbye? Who knew we’d have neighbors like Billy and Jona who would become family…when we already moved away from neighbors in Haledon who were also like family. Who knew that being able to participate in athletics in Wayne, and the chance to be a part of a great school system would prepare me for life? These questions I’ve asked over and over again, and they couldn’t have been done without your willingness and dedication to work and to love.
Perhaps, you loved the PCTI of higher learning so much, that you were inspired to work with the “Teck” kids at night and in the summer. You may have questioned your occupation several times, but if it weren’t for Tech, you would have never met Mommy. So let me get this straight again, mom dumped a Dallas Cowboy football player for you? Wow Dad, you had some serious game! As you know, she is still the same after all 24 years, 311 days of marriage. She is the champion we all know, and is relieved that you are in a better place. Kevin and I will always take care of her. You always said to, “Meet a woman half as good as your mother.” As much as I love Mom, I look forward to the challenge. I know you will give me a sign of approval when I need to know if ‘she is the one.’
As your former co-worker, I have to let you know how comforting the Wyckoff teachers have been. They miss you and have supported me in ways that I cannot explain. It is a special place, and I’m glad that I was able to meet the same teachers with whom you worked. I don’t think I’ll ever be as popular as you were in Wyckoff. In Heaven, it is not a requirement to work on Mondays, so enjoy Enjoy Sunday Night Football and late night sports games in Heaven, because there will never be a cold, rainy, Monday morning, again. Your $90 per day was something that we didn’t need, but you cared more for the professional environment and personal satisfaction of achievement. And Dad…Thanks for not showing any of my new friends my baby pictures or doing anything that I’d consider completely inappropriate.
Dad, you taught us so much. You’ve inspired so many. I’ve followed in your footsteps as a teacher not only because I like to help people, but because I want to be able to be on the same schedule as my kids, and your grandkids one day. And to never miss a game or a practice, and to have a meal together every night--something that we valued so greatly. You taught me great lessons, such as:
• Live life to the fullest • Don’t Ever Quit • Do the right thing • Try your Best • Marry your Best Friend
And the preeminent lesson you’ve ever taught, was that God was there for us, and he does exist. The signs leading to your passing were so obvious. Because of the way things finished here on earth, I have no doubts in my mind that you will live eternally, and that you will check in with us all--just so we know that you are there. One day, I hope to be as great a father and husband as you. And when it is my time, we will be together again as a family for more Saturday Night Dinners, and you can say, “This is what they are having in Heaven tonight.” I will not say goodbye, just “Thanks.”
I love you, Daddy.
Obituary
Joseph D. Connelly of Wayne died Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the St. Josephs Hospital, Paterson.
He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Haledon before moving to Wayne eighteen years ago.
Joseph was an English teacher for the Passaic County Technical Institute, Wayne for twenty-seven years before retiring in 2004.
He was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary RC Church, Wayne.
Joseph was a US Army Veteran during the Vietnam War Period.
He graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and went on to receive his Masters Degree in Administration-Supervision from William Paterson University in Wayne.
Joseph met his wife Lynn while working at the Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne. Their first date was to a movie; Lynn hated the movie and Joe loved it. This would become a long time joke of the family. The movies Joe loved were not enjoyed by any other family member.
They married on August 18, 1984 at St. Theresas RC Church in Paterson with Lynn’s brother Rev. Fr. Edward Reading officiating, before they honeymooned in St. Thomas. Joe always said he married his "best friend."
He was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to watching his two sons play. Joe's fondest memories included watching sporting events with his family at various venues, especially West Point and Fenway Park. Joe spent much time with his "other family members," his dogs: Boomer and Mikey.
He is the beloved husband of Lynn(Reading) Connelly; loving father of Brendan and Kevin Connelly of Wayne and Jennifer and Catherine; loved brother of John G., Peter, and Edmund Connelly all of NY and MaryEllen Edwards of FL.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the John Theurer Cancer Center - Head & Neck Division, c/o Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, NJ 07601 would be appreciated.
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