David P. Connelly

Dave "Paw Paw" Connelly, 78, of Dublin, OH passed away on March 10 at his home while being cared for by family. Dave is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Kay; his sons, David, Brian (Jen), Michael (Angela), and daughter, Kerri (Keith). He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Claire, Sam, Ben, Grace, Mary Kate, Maggie, Keegan, Kinsley, and sister, Patricia Egan of California. Dave was born to David and Margaret Connelly and served in the Army. After serving, Dave started a new business in New York City and later met and married Kay, and they started their family of which he was immensely proud. Throughout the youth of his children, Dave coached travel soccer and basketball. Even after his children grew up, he continued to coach for many years at St. Brendan's and was an assistant coach for high school field hockey at Dublin Scioto High School with his daughter Kerri. His love of athletics and his love of kids were among his greatest passions. There are certain non-celebrity types of people that others just want to be around, and Dave Connelly was one of those people. As a family man, Dave was always the center of the universe starting with Kay and transcending down to his grandchildren. He had an extreme level of intelligence and a sense of logic that could see right through any 'malarkey' that anyone tried to put in front of him. His heart ached for anyone when things weren't going the best, and always tried to put you back on the right path. Friends will recall a good time anytime that golf, bowling, softball, soccer, garage bar football, hockey, field hockey or even cornhole was involved. As a coach, he was demanding, compassionate, and fair. Never the loudest voice, but always the one that brought a peaceful familiarity and sense of harmony to groups that might not jive without him. The New York accent always went far with the basketball parents, too. An organizer, leader, confidant and friend, personality flowed seamlessly from his family life to his work life, where he was at the top of his game always. As a manager, he molded and directed those under him to become successful as well, leaving an unmatched legacy in the business world that he never left. He leaves future salespeople with miles of mobile shelving and a legacy that will be untouched. There is no way to gather all of the folks together whose life has been impacted by Dave Connelly, but if you knew him, there will always be some small (or large) thing you can tap into to remind you of him, whether it is a coaching moment like a junk defense, a well-timed life lesson backed by some serious logic, or a loving hug when it was most needed (which we think was inherited from his father - inventor of the "two arm squeezy"). We are all blessed to have been a part of a world with Dave. Certainly, we learned from him, grew because of him, and will cherish the memories of an incredible man that worked hard, played hard, most recently fought hard, but most importantly, loved hard. He was one of the most loyal and authentic to grace this earth. The connections he established, the friendships he maintained over years and miles, and the endless love he poured into his family will be greatly missed. Whether you called him husband, brother, Dad, Coach Connelly, ACC (Assistant Coach Connelly), Paw Paw, Grandpa, Uncle, or simply just Friend, Dave was beloved by all. Dave always had a plan and although we haven't seen the manila folder (written in lefty cursive) yet or checked to see what is programmed in the Garmin, it was right in front of all of us for 78 years. If you knew Dave, you know the plan of HOW TO LIVE A LIFE. To one of the good ones, we love you, now and always. "Shee ma tah" Family will receive friends and guests Friday, March 18, 2022 from 2 pm to 4 pm and from 6 pm to 8 pm at SCHOEDINGER DUBLIN, 5890 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH, 43017. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 am, Saturday, March 19, at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 4475 Dublin Rd. Hilliard, OH 43026. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to sign Dave's online guest book or to share a special memory.