Patrick Michael Connelly

Patrick Michael Connelly “Pat” passed away at his residence in Kenner on October 16, 2015. He was 67. He was born in New Orleans but moved to Kenner as a young boy. Pat retired from the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 53 where he was better known as “Legs.” Like his grandfather and father before him, he was a strong believer in Unions for he felt without them fair wages and benefits would not be possible for the working class. Two of his sons carry on this valued tradition.

At the age of 18, Pat signed up to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served for three years in Germany where he utilized his mechanical skills in keeping various vehicles running properly. Prior to his enlistment, he had built his own race car, a ’62 Ford Galaxy which he raced at LaPlace Dragway. Speed was his love, and he had worked on cars since he was a child with his father. In fact, at the age of 14, his father let him drive his ’57 Ford at the track because Pat could beat his father’s time.

Later, in the early seventies, that love of speed turned into racing motorcycles. He had several different motorcycles over the years that he raced both at the track and on the street. He always went to “bike night” which started years ago at Maroni’s on Thursday nights in which all the bikes would ride and race to the truck stop in Slidell. Later, he continued going to “bike night” on Wednesday nights at the Pit Stop. After, all the motorcycles leave to street race in a location that will not be disclosed. He also attended street racing at this location on Sunday nights. Pat spent most of his weekends at various race tracks.

Pat was deeply loved by his family. He leaves behind Caprice Smith Connelly, “Cappy” who he was married to for 23 years. They were divorced but resumed their relationship for the past ten years. They have five children: Patrick, married to Tanya Baum Connelly, Jack, Tiffany, Whitney and Brittany. Pat also leaves behind six grandchildren: Kevin, Chase, Peyton, Scarlett, Cash and Jacklyn. Pat was the eldest of seven children from the late Jack and Edna “Teta” Connelly. His siblings are: Gary Connelly “Goob” who was his best friend and they were always together, Neris Connelly Austin who is married to William “Bill” Austin, Jacqueline Connelly Dufour “Jackie” who is married to Philip “Brud” Dufour, Susan Connelly Sansovich “Susie” who is married to Antonio Sansovich, the late Christopher Connelly “Chrisie” and the late Kathleen Connelly “Kiki.” He will be missed by all his friends and family who loved him dearly.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie on Monday, October 26, 2015 at 11:00 am Visitation will be from 9:00 am until time of service. Inurnment will follow at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Dr., Slidell, LA. In lieu of flowers, please donate a warm coat or second hand clothing directly to a homeless person or local shelter, or volunteer to help dish out food in one of the homeless shelters. Condolences may be offered at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com