Jerome E. Connolly

Jerome E. Connolly left this world on March 1, 2008 in Vero Beach surrounded by his loving family. He lived a full, rich life.

He was born in New York City on December 6, 1924. He resided in Garden City, New York for 50 years and spent the last year of his life in Vero Beach, Florida.

He served as a Medic in the Army 96th Infantry Division during WW-II and was awarded the Combat Medic Badge, 2 Bronze Medals for bravery and the Purple Heart.

Jerry graduated with honors from Fordham University in 1948 where he was Captain of the track team and later was inducted into the Fordham Sports Hall of Fame. He spent his professional life as a sales executive in the Textile industry, retiring as a senior Vice President for Dan River Mills in New York City. He was a member of the New York Athletic Club for over 60 years where he was a tennis and squash champion. Jerry was a nationally ranked squash player an international organization which recognizes squash player for their athletic excellence and sportsmanship. Jerry was also longtime member of The Garden city Casino Tennis Club where he was a club champion and president. In addition, he was active in the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Timber Ridge Tennis Club of Vero Beach. He was inducted into the Jesters Club, an international organization which recognizes squash players for their athletic excellence and sportsmanship. Jerry was also, longtime member of The Garden City Casino Tennis Club where he was a club champion and president. In addition, he was active in the American Legion, Knights of Columbus. The Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Timber Ridge Tennis Club of Vero Beach.

He was a parishioner at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach following his 50 years as a faithful servant at St. Joseph Church in Garden City. He was the beloved husband for 53 years to Patricia; father of Pamela, Jerome Jr., Philip, Barbara and James and grandfather of thirteen.

Jerry was buried at Calverton National Cemetery on Thursday, March 13 following a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church. A Memorial Mass was held Thursday March 27 at the Holy Cross Chapel in Vero Beach, Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Unit 494, 4755 Majorca Place, Vero Beach, Florida.

Services: Arrangements are by Fairchild Funeral Homes in Garden City, New York followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Church.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Cross Chapel in Vero Beach at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2008.