Patrick Roland Connolly

Patrick was born at Florida Hospital in Orlando with his twin sister McKenna. Both Patrick and McKenna, along with their older sibling (who now goes by the name Lucas), attended Forest Lake Elementary and River Springs Middle schools. Patrick and McKenna graduated from University High School in May 2023. Patrick was a freshman at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he had recently declared his major as math.

Patrick was always a goofy kid who enjoyed telling jokes and making people smile. In elementary school, he formed a tight bond with a core group of boys but really loved playing with everyone. He joined the Cub Scouts (Pack 340 in Deltona), which launched his love for outdoor activities and camping. After completing the Cub Scout program and earning his Arrow of Light, he continued on into the Boy Scout program. At home, he and his friends rode their bikes through the neighborhood, playing with their Nerf guns and video games.

In middle school, Patrick started playing the clarinet and enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie that came with being part of the school band. He was excited to find something new and challenging to tackle. That said, he was often heard saying things were “too easy” – a silly phrase he would apply to pretty much everything. He loved making people laugh.

Once in high school, Pat quickly found his people as a member of the University High School Titan Regiment, playing clarinet in the marching band. He also played clarinet and saxophone in the school’s various bands. When the pandemic temporarily derailed high school, Patrick channeled his energy into cooking and baking all sorts of interesting foods, which caused us to pack on the pounds. It made Patrick happy to hear how much everyone loved his cooking. Patrick also loved playing video games with friends in-person and online under the name Bickle.

Later in high school, Patrick found his new love – rap music. When he discovered the singer, songwriter and rapper Juice Wrld, Patrick’s new persona – Patty Ice – was born. Patrick was able to put his feelings into words like no other person his age, spilling his anxieties and fears into profound lyrics. He spent hours making beats and rapping with friends.

Patrick also loved spending time with his buddies at Lake Helen Scout Troop 590. After serving in various positions, including Scribe and Assistant Patrol Leader, he earned his Eagle Scout rank. He was honored by his peers to be a member of the Order of the Arrow and sealed his brotherhood

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from University High School with a Cambridge AICE Diploma, Patrick attended USF to make his own way and his own name. While his heart was in DeBary, Patrick was excited for this new step into adulthood.

In addition to McKenna and Lucas, Patrick is survived by his father, Kevin; mother, Amy; aunts, Stephanie Rippel, Maureen (Mike) Mann, Karen (Vic) Cardoza; uncles, Jim (Renee) Connolly, Joe (Kim) Connolly and Roger Rippel; and cousins Christopher Connolly, Michael (Alexis) Connolly, Logan Connolly and Quinn Mann. He is also survived by the many friends he cherished, especially his best friends, Wyatt and Avery Neuhardt. He is preceded in death by grandparents Joseph and Dolores Connolly and Angela and Roland Rippel.

A visitation for Patrick will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at St. Ann's Catholic Parish, 26 Dogwood Trail, Debary, FL 32713. A reception will occur Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Just Dance & Fitness Studio, 1060 E Industrial Dr T, Orange City, FL 32763.