Edward W. Connolly Sr.

Edward Walsh Connolly, age 92, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ passed away at Southern Ocean Medical Center on November 4th, 2012. Mr. Connolly was born and raised in the Vailsburg section of Newark to Joseph E. and Eleanor S. Connolly. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Raphael’s Church Livingston, NJ, on Friday November 9, 2012. Interment followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery E. Hanover, NJ. A visitation was held at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home on Thursday November 8, 2012 from 4-8 PM.

He was married to the former Olga Werchowitz of Irvington, who was a member of the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Olga passed away March 12, 1974. Edward is survived by his son, Edward Jr. and wife Lisa, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ and daughter, Eleanor DeMaio, of Maywood, NJ. He is also survived by six beloved grandchildren, Erin, Edward III, and Rebecca Connolly, Michael O’Keefe, Lance Corporal Steven O’Keefe, and Anthony DeMaio. He is also predeceased by three brothers, Joseph, John, and Donald.

Upon graduation from Seton Hall Prep in 1938, he served in WWII for 38 months overseas with the United States Army. He was discharged as a Lieutenant after 44 mos. He received 5 campaign citations and multiple service awards.

Upon returning to civilian life in 1946, Edward continued his education at Seton Hall University graduating with honors and in 1950, graduated Rutgers Law School. Admitted to the practice of Law as an Attorney in 1950, and as a Counselor At Law in Jan. 1955, he was enrolled to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States in 1957.

Founder and managing partner of Connolly, Vreeland & Connolly in Livingston and Roseland, he was a member of the Essex County, New Jersey State, and American Bar Association, and American Judicature Society.

Mr. Connolly was a parishioner of St. Raphael R.C. Church in Livingston and a member of the Parish Council.

A charter member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus; Our Lady of the Mountain Council 3533. He also served as Counsel to the Columbian Assoc. of Livingston for 44 years.

Active in civic and community affairs, he served as General Chairman of Livingston’s Sesquicentennial celebration in 1963.

He was especially honored to have served as General Counsel to the NJ State Elks Association Handicapped Children’s Committee (1967 – 1984) and Laws Committee (1967-2000). A past Exalted Ruler of Livingston Lodge 1855, past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, past Member and Chairman Grand Lodge Committee on Judiciary, Past Justice and Chief Justice Grand Forum, and Special Counsel to the Grand Exalted Ruler, among many offices and positions held in over 50 years.

Mr. Connolly was often honored and recognized for his service to the Order of Elks and those less fortunate among us, which he would observe”…makes life worth living”

Ed Connolly, dad, was one of life’s originals, and the world is a better place because he lived in it.