Name: JA Snow Funeral Home
Address: Halifax, NS

We are so sorry to hear this news.  What a wonderful priest he was.  He lead by example and had such a gentle manner.  Sincere condolences to his family and to his friends, especially Father Joe.

Such a gentle and humble man. We feel very blessed to have been able to attend several masses at St. Agnes where Father Owen served well after his retirement.   Rest in eternal peace Father Owen. You will be in my prayers. 
Kathy and Daniel Willis
Halifax, NS

Rest in peace Father Owen. We appreciated all the times you stopped to talk to us after Mass. You always had wonderful words of encouragement for our family. Love the Nunes family.

Fr Owen was amazing to young and old. Loved his swagger..lol
My parents, Jim and Mary Cuvelier,  considered him a friend ..
He made everyone feel comfortable and important.
He was one in a million...he will be missed

Dear Connolly Family

Very sorry to read about Father Connolly’s passing.

We were so blessed to have had Father as a parish priest years ago at St. Peter’s in Dartmouth.

Please accept our sympathies.

Sean Layden, Kara Synishin, Cash and Curran.

May God bless his beautiful soul for the wonderful charity he has shown us all. 🙏🏼🌹💫

I don’t know if I’ve ever met a nicer man or gentleman in my life. Always had a smile. Was a long time friend of my later mother in law. She spoke highly of Father Connolly . I remember when I was going for communion at STA Church and Father Connolly says the body and  blood of Christ, Darrell.    I didn't know that he knew me and that’s when I found out that he was such a big sports fan. I have a very deep respect for the man . I would see him at various events and he was always the kindness of men. When the oval opened up and father Connolly had to be in his 80’s he called me looking for a hockey helmut. He wanted to enjoy skating on the oval. A man full of life. A man who impacted many. A man who made an impact on me. God be with you Father Connolly

Fr. Owen Connolly was a true blessing in my life and in the lives of so many others. When I arrived in Halifax, he was the first priest I met at Canadian Martyrs Church. His warmth and kindness made me feel welcomed from the very beginning. 

Over the years, he walked with my family through some of our most difficult moments, including the loss of my father and my son's rare diagnosis, always offering compassion, prayers, and hope. 

His deep love for Our Blessed Mother was reflected in the gentle, humble, and caring way he lived his priesthood. I will always be grateful for his guidance, friendship, and unwavering faith. May he rest in the peace of Christ, whom he served so faithfully. 

With gratitude, Monica Birkhahn and Family.

The Connelly and MacDonald families were close friends many years ago in Sydney, Cape Breton. My late brother, Maurice (Moe) was a great admirer of Father Owen. Father Owen was the celebrant at Moe’s funeral.

Many accolades will undoubtedly be posted about Father Owen. Val and I join everyone in celebrating his life, a life of faith, humility, humour and service to others. He leaves a wonderful legacy.

Our parents , Joseph and Elizabeth Taylor Williams were friends of your family for over eighty years . Our mother taught many of your siblings including Fr Owen .
He celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary mass and con celebrated our mothers’ funeral mass.
As the Irish  say death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Thank you to your family for sharing Fr Owen’s gifts and talents with us for many years 

Jo-Anne , Phyllis and James
Children of Joseph and Elizabeth Taylor Williams

I am deeply saddened to hear the loss of this great man.  He was a very kind and gentle person who was always deeply devoted to his flock. He will be greatly missed. 

Donal and Susan O'Leary

I was so saddened to read of Fr. Owens passing.He was a great friend to our family for many many years and will truly be missed by all.Always appreciated his many acts of kindness.Sincere condolences.

Family and friends of Fr Owen
I got to know Fr Owen more than ever before during his time at St Stephens church. Kind with his words and supportive! He is remembered in Cheticamp from his ministry to the sick while in hospital care in Halifax. May this lovely man of God truly reap his rewards in heaven.

So sorry to hear of Father Owen's passing:

I volunteered as Chair of the Property Committee at Pope John XXIII  during many of  the years Father Owen was our Parish priest. I often met with Father Owen to discuss some of the day-day Church building maintenance issues/problems;  he was obviously interested in what and how $$ were spent,  providing feedback/direction  and  was always approachable and supportive when his help was requested.  It was a pleasure working with Father Owen.

Father Owen was such a special, holy man. He visited a number of my family members when they were ill and anointed them prior to death. There was always a sense of peace in Father Owen's presence.
Rest in eternal glory with God, Father Owen.

Father Owen was a very special man who truly lived his faith. We have wonderful memories of him and will miss his inspiration. 
Barry MacLeod( cousin) Wendy

My sincere condolences  to the family on the passing of Father Owen. He was a remarkable human being .  

The congregation of Saint Agnes always  enjoyed having Father Owen fill in when the Pastor was away. His masses were always so up lifting. His gift of love was always present while he visited patients and family in Palliative Care.

Rest in peace faithful servant.

Anne Marie Pitts

To the family of Fr. Owen, many blessings in fond memories of your family in Owen. I had the privilege of serving alongside him in the Parish of St. John's, nearby St. Lawrence. I treasure the humility and kindness he showed in ecumenical conversations. I treasure the depth of faith, the sharp mind, the many kindnesses. It was a pleasure to meet up with him in Camp Hill Cemetery on his walks, reminding us both of the brief time we had to serve in the Fairview community. Many blessings to Owen's family in fond memories, he certainly had great genes. Rev. Marian

Dear Family

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of a wonderful man.
Always so full of love , kindness and able to make you feel so special.
His thoughtfulness for those less fortunate and true compassion for everyone.
We loved it when he was able to fill in at St Michaels ( Stella Maris ) and never seemed to forget a face or name .
He will greatly be missed .

With prayers and  and love 
Sincerely
Shirley Williams

When I was in my fourth year of studies at Holy Heart Seminary, Owen was a first year student.  When I finished in June of 1963
I left my notes and translations with Owen. We met occasionally
over the years after his ordination.  On each and every occasion , no matter where or who was present, Fr. Owen would announce to all and sundry:“This is the man who got me through the seminary!”  Fr. Owen never forgot a good deed and he himself was the one over his 60 years of priesthood who performed so many. He was truly a man of faith…A faith expressed in countless ways. Truly a humble and compassionate man of God. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family and many friends.  Rest in peace my friend.
Fr. Bernie Mac Adam,  Antigonish

Father Owen Connolly was the salt of the earth. His beautiful smile exuded the love I believe everybody felt when they met him. 
      What I remember the most in meeting Father Connolly was his soft spoken words and his beautiful smile. 
      When he was the priest at St Michael’s Parish in Halifax, he used to come down to our home for dinner. He always had great stories of Cape Breton, where my parents were from. 
      I personally believe that he is a saint. All of his life was dedicated to each person in the parishes he oversaw. 
      God Bless his soul and I ask him to pray for all of us from heaven.

Dennis Touesnard

Dave & The Gillis Family ,  I send my sincerest condolences on the death of your Uncle Fr. Owen .

Fr Owen was a tremendous’people person’ who we will never forget particularly during his time at Pope John. He was always the most pleasant and thoughtful person no matter what the situation.

He will be missed.

Dianne/ David Nantes

Father Owen was a very special priest and a wonderful human being.  We experienced first hand his care and compassion as we know many others did.  His visits to our home were always uplifting.  He shared his love with those in need, particularly the homeless and now he enjoys his heavenly reward.  Our sympathy to all who mourn his passing.    Ronald and Marie Downie.

Fr. Connolly was a friend of my past husband Victor. We would see him at mass at St Agnes church. He always had a great comment as he greeted everyone at the door after mass. May God rest his soul. Rosemarie Mahar

So sorry to hear about the passing of Father Owen Connelly. He was the spiritual advisor for the Halifax Diocesan executive which I was part of for 8 years and I was trilled to get to know Father Owen well. I too am from Sydney and felt even a closer connection to this amazing man. I had a sister, Dianne who spent several weeks in the VG hospital and Father Owen was so kind to her bring her communion and the blessing of the sick. He will definitely be remembered for the kind, faithful man he was. May he forever rest in peace.

I thank you for all your spiritual guidance, father. You are no in eternal peace with the Lord🙏😇

Father Connolly is a life-long dear friend of our family.  He studied in the seminary with our cousin Father Gerald Dumphy in 60’s and I was often sent to pic them up to join our family for Sunday dinners.  He was a great friend of Father Daniel MacLean and frequently played Bridge at our home on Sunday evenings with Grandad Peter Fagan from reserve Mines, CB.  During my 60 years of knowing  Father Connolly our friendship was timeless.  As a frequent organist in the Halifax area, we met often at funerals.  Father lived his faith to the max offering unconditional charity to all in need.  He’s did so with a joyful heart, deep compassion and gratitude for the many graces evidenced  in his daily interactions.  The world is brighter for his generous open heart and “love in action”.  Rest in the shelter of Gods’s arms!

So sorry to hear of Father Connolly's passing. He was avery kind and caring man. I remember him coming many times to visit my mom Grace Mader before she passed away at 102 .They had some wonderful conversations and laughs together. May he enjoy his eternal reward.

To the family members of Fr. Connelly my heartfelt prayers and condolences at your loss.  He will be missed. 

I recall his humility, gentle manner and kindness, his words of hope at the bedside of a family friend dying of terminal cancer.
He lived his vocation as a priest with true devotion.
May God richly bless his faithful servant and may his soul RIP.

Warmest regards,
Rita Landry  🙏🕯

Our deepest condolences to Father Owen‘s family and loved ones. He was such a wonderful person.  He came to visit me in hospital during a complicated pregnancy. He then baptized our baby and made it very special for us. Rest in peace.

Father Owen was one of the Good ones. He married us 27 years ago last week. He had a way of making you feel that he knew you so well. At the time we met at st lawrence I was involved with st Vincent de paul society.  He was so supportive of our work and the people we served.
He like me was a real fan of SMU athletics. And took delight teasing my husband even during mass when our team defeated his X team.  
He will be  missed.  Rest in peace Owen

Father Owen, goes all the way back of being great friends of my parents and our entire family. 
He always would tell me stories about my parents, before we would switch to golf. 
I was always happy anytime I had the chance to see him and we would get a chance to have a little chat. Always interested in what I was up to and how my family was doing.
I am going to miss him dearly and his faith in God gave me a full heart after we spoke. 
May his memory be a blessing to all that knew him.

I learned so much from Fr Owen about compassion and dignity. He married Bill and me and yes….. a great, funny and human story to tell about that wedding!! I will miss him and I pray for him. May we all pay forward the kindnesses he showed everyone he encountered.
Brenda Betts
August 2, 2026

Fr. Connolly was the epitome of humility and kindness. I will miss seeing Fr, Owen at he University hockey games, I always felt better having had a chat with Fr. Owen. He always knew what to say and how to say it. Not only did we lose a wonderful priest but a special human being .
Rest in piece Fr. Owen, knowing you have touched so many people in their time of need.

Donna and Paul Puma

Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Fr. Connolly.  Always a good listener and friend, he will be missed.  May he rest in the peace of Christ.
In deepest sympathy,

Fr Owen was truly a people priest.  He cared & had compassion  for everyone he met during his ministry.  He treated everyone equally & with respect.  I will miss him dearly as will many others.   Your time with us has ended but now those in heaven will definitely embrace you & be filled with the joy that is yours

I was very saddened to hear the news of Fr. Connolly's passing.  He did have a way of making you feel like you were his favourite.  Never a criticism always making you feel like you can do anything !
 He had something to offer to people young and old. My daughters admired Father  Connolly and he had each member of our family involved.in some way.  I remember such sadness when St Lawrence was decommissioned.  It  was historically my family’s parish since its beginning.  My grandfather Joseph Saulnier, a carpenter, helped build the original church hall. 
Father Connolly was instrumental in helping my mom, Mary Saulnier, build confidence enough to become actively involved in many areas of St Lawrence.  Her involvement in the church  changed her life for the better.  Saint Lawrence was such a happy and active  community when Fr Connolly was Pastor. 
There have been many priests come snd go,  but we were given a gift when Father Connolly  came into our lives!  He will be dearly missed!! 
Father Owen:  “May a choir of angels lead you to the Gates of Heaven and may the saints welcome you into the presence of God.”🙏

Darlene Levangie

Father Owen was a dear friend to our family for a long time and a wonderful model for all of us.  Surely a “priestly priest”.  May he rest in peace and the example he set inspire us all.

Rest in peace, Owen.   

Sympathy and prayers for your family and friends.  

We will remember how you loved us.  We will recall  many times being in your company.  

I was thinking tonight of traveling on the bus (Lions Club?) to Caledonia  from  Liverpool and return for Christmas Concerts and so much more.  

Owen, thank you for the memories and the grace.   

love, Joan

Having been a parishioner at St. Agnes for many year, I had the fortune of working with Fr. Owen at many masses and when he would be the principal celebrant at many funerals. Having been an off ice official at St. Mary’s for 47 years, I would see him in the stands for most of those 47 years at the home games. He was so generous, giving away many 50/50 wins that would come his way to friends attending with him or the less fortunate he would come across in his journeys around Halifax. There is no doubt the good Lord has provided Fr. Owen with a special place for him in heaven. RIP my friend.

As a young physician, I literally ran into Father Connolly in the hallway of the VG Hospital one night at 2 AM.  After apologizing to him, he took me aside and asked why I didn't spend more time with one of my patients who had ALS.   Rather sadly, I responded that we couldn't do anything more for the patient.  He quietly and patiently suggested that once I could no longer offer "cure", I could still offer "care" - a lesson I never forgot.  Subsequently, we became friends and, on occasion, met for coffee so that I could continue to learn from him.  He was a kind and caring individual who changed my entire approach to the practice of medicine.

My most sincere expressions of Sympathy, Prayers and Kindness to
Father Owen's Family, the Archdiocese of Halifax and the many privileged people who came know him. I have valued Memories of our shared Pastoral Ministry at St. Michael's Parish, Spryfield. God Bless!
Respectfully, Fr. Donald Boudreau, New Glasgow.

OBITUARY

Fr. Walter Owen Connolly

21 January, 1939 – 28 July, 2026

JA Snow Funeral Home

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