Obituary of Gerald Connelly

It is with sad and heavy hearts that the family of Gerald (Jerry) Connelly of Fredericton, N.B., announce his passing on to his heavenly Father, with his family by his side, on October 16, 2020. Born October 25, 1937 at Murray Road, P.E.I., Jerry was the son of the late George and Mary (Fitzgerald) Connelly. He will be greatly missed by his best friend, and loving wife, Phyllis (Jones) of 62 years. He was a loving, caring, and admired father, to daughters Debbie (Bill) Thomas of Waasis, N.B., Darlene (Kevin) Lucas of Rusagonis, N.B.; son Michael (Sherry) of Kelowna, B.C.; grandchildren Tanya, Gerry, Bradley, and Chance; great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Katie, Ava, and Henley; sisters Anita, Bonnie (Larry), and Helen (Steve); brother Tom (Sheila); along with several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jerry is pre-deceased by his sisters; Ida, Leona, and Marie; brothers Bernard, Clarence, Channing, George, Robert, and Tony. Jerry lived an exceptional life. He served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 25 years with the First Battalion Black Watch, RCR, Medics, and Supply. He did his basic training in Sussex, N.B. and was later transferred to Kentville, N.S., Werl, Germany, Base Gagetown, N.B., and completed his military career in Edmonton, AB. His career took him to Cyprus, Egypt, Norway, France, and Jamaica. His career in the forces, and the friends he met, are very dear to him. He had great and valued memories. Jerry retired from the Forces in 1980. He then worked for Canada Post in Edmonton, AB. until 1994. He then became a Commissionaire at NAIT University in Edmonton, AB. until 1997. That’s when he found his all-time favorite job, as quoted by Jerry: "Best Job I Ever Had" as a School Bus driver in Edmonton until 2007. Jerry was a volunteer in the Palliative Care Unit in Edmonton, as well as at the DECH in Fredericton. He volunteered his time to Meals on Wheels, Fredericton, and at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Oromocto. Jerry’s faith was passed down through his family and he was a devout Catholic. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree. He spent his time playing golf, fishing, hunting, camping, square dancing, and he always enjoyed a good game of baseball. He also never passed up the opportunity to join in on a game of cards. His greatest passion was growing his red roses for everyone to admire. Jerry was very quiet and didn’t voice his opinion much, but rest assured, he continues to be our family, and community, hero and mentor. The family would like to express a sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of the professional care Jerry/Dad received from Dr. Digby, Dr. Lunteao, all of the palliative team, and Extramural Nurses who cared for Jerry/Dad in his final days. In addition, the family would like to thank the nursing staff at the Fredericton Hospice House for the exceptional care he received during his short stay. A public visitation will take place at the Oromocto Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and will be officiated by Fr. Charles Udeh. There will be an interment to follow in the adjoining cemetery. Due to COVID-19 protocols and restrictions, the service will be by reservation only. In accordance to social distancing requirements and limited seating, we have reached capacity. The service can be viewed live on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the following link: https://vimeo.com/469492784 For those who wish, donations in memory of Jerry may be made to Hospice House Fredericton, or a charity of the donor’s choice.