Peter Francis Connallon Jr.

Peter Francis Connallon Jr., 79, of Indianapolis, IN, died June 22, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Marlys (Schaeffer) Connallon for 50 years and a devoted father to Patrick (Larysa) Connallon of Bloomington, IN; Laura (Tai) Connallon of Bloomington, IN; and Maureen (Chris) Martin of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by his brothers, Dennis (Sandy) Connallon of Murrells Inlet, NC, and Kevin (Donna) Connallon of Franklin, NJ, as well as his sisters, Colleen (Bobby) Garmon of Nashville, TN, and Nancy (Doug) Hendricks of Dagsboro, DE. Additionally, he is survived by three grandchildren: Erin Connallon, Sean Connallon, and Neal Bogart.

Peter graduated from Sparta High School (NJ) in 1964, where he was active in football, wrestling, and voted “Most Congenial”. He attended Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in Richmond, KY, with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. While at EKU, Peter was a member of the ROTC program and graduated in the top 10% of all ROTC graduates in his senior year. He received his commission in the Regular Army following his graduation. He was assigned to Ft Sill, OK, for artillery training, and then he went to Ft Benning, GA, to complete Ranger School. His first assignment was in Baumgarten, Germany, where he commanded tactical nuclear artillery. While there, he coached wrestling for the dependent children at the school in West Germany. He was then transferred to Vietnam (1971-1972), serving with the 5th Battalion, 83rd Artillery, a forward operating base, and then later as the Commander of the 504th Military Police Detachment in Vietnam.

While serving in Vietnam, he received the Bronze Star and numerous other commendations. After his tour in Vietnam, he returned to EKU to complete his master’s degree in Psychology and Guidance Counseling. He transferred to the US Army Reserves in the Medical Service Corps. He served with the 100th Division Maneuver Training Command on the Medical Exercise Team in Louisville, KY. After serving there for several years, he transferred to the 123rd Army Command Center (ARCOM-USAR) at Ft Benjamin Harrison, IN, in the ARCOM Surgeon General’s Office. He was always involved in improving the readiness of the subordinate medical unit. He conducted an Advanced Trauma Life Support Course for doctors and nurses in the medical units under ARCOM’s responsibility. One project that Peter was most proud of during his military career was serving as the principal investigator for Gulf War Syndrome in the Midwest region of the country. Peter retired from the USAR at 123rd ARCOM as a Lieutenant Colonel. He completed the Command & General Staff College.

Peter and Marlys met in San Antonio, TX, at Trinity University for the Army Medical Department Advanced Officers' Course and were married several months later. After Peter received his master’s degree, he taught at EKU Model Laboratory Elementary School, where he taught 4th grade. Later, he held a principal’s certificate and worked towards his PhD, but was unable to complete his dissertation due to his involvement in various aspects of life. Peter taught mathematics, science, social studies, and computer science primarily to middle school students in both public and private education. From 1979 to 1984, he was a teacher educator at Marian College (now Marian University). He taught at Harshman Middle School (IPS #101) and later at St. Richard’s Academy in Indianapolis. While at Harshman, Peter secured a grant for the students to design and build a greenhouse outside the school. After the project was complete, they planned what they wanted to grow in their greenhouse. Similarly, Peter was a strong advocate of project-based learning.

While at St. Richard’s Academy, he received a grant from the National Energy Education Development to have students use a thermal camera to study homes for energy leaks and determine solutions for this issue. St. Richard’s School was awarded the 2008 Rookie School of the Year at the elementary level during the 28th Annual Youth Awards for Energy Achievement on June 23, 2008. Peter loved teaching and consistently found innovative ways for students to learn. He had a sense of humor and was a very generous person who enjoyed helping others.

Peter will be laid to rest with full military honors at Crown Hill National Cemetery Columbarium Annex on September 26, 2025 at 11 AM. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be following the ceremony at St. John's United Church of Christ (7031 S. East St).

Rest in peace, Wild Dog.