John P. Connelly

John was a loving husband, loyal father and grandfather, and faithful friend to many in Escanaba and all over the country. He was very proud of his service to his country in the USMC. He was a skilled educator, not only in the classroom but in his garage and workshop, and on the football field. He was a natural mentor who loved to share his practical knowledge with the next generations. He was a great lover of life, an entertaining storyteller, with a wonderful sense of humor, blue eyes and a sweet tooth. He was good at getting things done when they needed to happen. Most of all, he loved people, and people loved him.

John graduated from Escanaba High School in 1952, where he lettered in track and field, and later received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. He was an accomplished Golden Gloves boxer. After serving in the Marine Corps, John was a teacher, coach, and driving instructor at many high schools in the 1960s, including Bloomingdale and Laingsburg where he was head football coach. Many of John’s former football players have remained great friends of his. In Lansing, John worked for the State of Michigan as a motor fleet safety administrator, and as a fund administrator for the Department of Management and Budget. A lifelong resident of Michigan, he loved camping vacations with his family, especially in Michigan and Canada, and enjoyed peaceful times with a campfire at his Round Lake cottage. He also enjoyed international travel, particularly to Ireland to enjoy his family heritage (and a pint or two of Guinness). An avid runner, John participated in many road races, from local 5Ks to marathons, including four Boston Marathons from 1988 to 1991.

John is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Mary (Boucher) Connelly; his sons Patrick (Pamela), Michael (Robin) and Daniel (Michele) Connelly; his daughter Cortney (Ronald) Smith; grandchildren Kayla, Keaton, Brendan, Jared, Travis, Nolan, Ruth, Megan, Darren and Bradley; and great-grandchildren Lara and Charlie. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mildred Connelly, and his sister, Mary Hagle.

Family will receive friends on Friday, February 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Escanaba. A Mass of Christian Burial honoring John will follow visitation beginning at 11 AM with Rev. Fr. Fran DeGroot officiating. John will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Connelly family and online condolences may be directed to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com. Memorial donations may be made to Bishop Noa Home or Alzheimer’s Association.