Lester "Bob" Robert Connolly

Bob was born at home in Dorchester, Ma to William and Mary (Lyster) Connolly on May 15, 1933. He was one of 6 born during the Great Depression.

Bob enlisted in the US Navy after completing his studies in Aviation at Boston Trade High School. He proudly served his country for 28 years retiring as a Senior Chief in 1979. While stationed in California, his missions on P-2’s took him all over the world multiple times. Bob loved to share his stories, some funny, some perilous but all filled with adventure and comradery.

Bob married the love of his life Mary Teresa (Cook) of Hyde Park in August 1955. His “Rosie” allowed him to live out his dream of aviation, raising their 3 sons while he on his missions. While flying brought him joy, nothing compared to his “Rosie”. His love and devotion to her was unwavering throughout his life; She passed in April 1990.

As an extremely devout Catholic, he was a parishioner of Corpus Christi Church for over 40 years. Woodworking was a great passion after his retirement in 1979, making hundreds of exquisite pieces over the years including a cradle that all his grandchildren slept in during the first days of life.

Bob will be loving remembered as a gentle, humble and proud man, always there to listen and offer meaningful advice and support to family, friends and strangers. He lived a life full and rich, “Not bad for a kid from Dorchester” Left to cherish his memory are his devoted sons, Michael of Dover, NH, Timothy of Sandwich and Richard of Jacksonville, VT. He is greatly missed by his grandchildren: Allison, Danielle, Matthew, Emily, Morgan, Brennan, Ryan and Amanda. His great-grandchildren, Kiera, Avery, Jameson, Madigan, Maeve and Brady, who is expected in July as well as a large extended family. Bob was predeceased by his brothers: Jimmy, Jack, and Billy, sisters: Ellie, and Dottie, his parents William and Mary and his wife Teresa.

Services to honor Bob’s life will be held on Wednesday January 22nd with visitation from 4-7pm at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A, Sandwich. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, January 23rd at Corpus Christi Parish, 324 Quaker Meeting House Rd., Sandwich. Burial with full military honors to follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.