Mr. Gerald Francis George Connolly

Born October 27, 1921, in London, England, he was a son of James Connolly and Victoria Cuigniez; beloved father of Jane (Peter Nicholson), Andrew (Rita Kalt), Gregory (Lynne Bell), James (Jocelyn Walton), Christine (Pierre Igot), Anthony (Tara Williams) and Adam (Angela Hewitt). Also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Alexandria, Mitchell and Liam Connolly and Peter and Christie Nicholson; his great- grandchildren, Sabrina, Gabriel and Jacqueline; his former wife, Thelma (Smart) Bliss; his brother, John (Renette Dilkes), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary (Michael O'Brien).

Educated at boarding school, Mr. Connolly worked in industry before being called to the British Army in 1944. He served in the Middle East Command and was posted to Egypt from 1945 to 1947. After military service he married and worked at various jobs before deciding that the future lay in Canada. The family immigrated to Nova Scotia in February 1956, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax. Their story is part of the Pier 21 database and museum history project. Employed by Cossor (Canada) Ltd. from 1956 to 1960, Mr. Connolly was involved in the building of navigation, communication and radar equipment until he left to join the Naval Research Establishment, where he was employed for three years.

In 1963 he joined the newly founded Bedford Institute of Oceanography as a marine instrument maker, retiring in 1986. A gifted inventor, he made many of the practical tools used by the Institute for undersea research. He kept a workshop at home and used it almost daily up until his death. He had a passion for problem-solving and enjoyed crosswords and political history when he wasn't watching soccer or tennis on the television.

A consummate gentleman, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Cremation has taken place under the direction of A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1 Kuhn Dr., Westphal, Dartmouth.

A reception will follow in the church hall. There will be no visitation. Family flowers only, please. Interment at a later date in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Annapolis Royal. Donations in memory of Mr. Connolly may be made to Pier 21: www.pier21.com or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jill Lawless and the nursing staff of 4th Floor West at Dartmouth General Hospital for their kindness.