Donate in Memory of Richard Joseph Connolly

Obituary: Richard Joseph Connolly

Published January 2012

In Memory of Richard Joseph Connolly
June 8, 1949 – January 20, 2012

Richard Joseph Connolly, 62, passed away peacefully Friday, January 20,2012 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Sandwich, MA.

Richard was born June 8, 1949, the son of the late William E. and Frances E. (Flynn) Connolly in Brockton, MA. He graduated from Canton High School and New Prep and attended the University of Massachusetts. Rich was an accomplished finish carpenter and worked in New England for over 40 years, most recently at Harbor Builders of Tenants Harbor, ME. His passions included nature and wildlife, playing and listening to music, his volunteer work with Freedom Riders therapeutic riding program and especially his role as a devoted and attentive father. Rich and his loving wife Deb raised their family in Bourne, MA and Waldoboro, ME recently returning to Cape Cod.

Richard is survived by his wife Deb Connolly, his beloved children and their spouses, Jeff Instasi and wife Jessica of Wrentham, MA, Jon Instasi and wife Heather of Waldoboro, ME, Jill Frey and husband David of Mashpee, Ma, Mary Elizabeth Connolly and Katelynn Marie Connolly of Sandwich, MA and 8 grandchildren, Cameron, Jared, David, Rylee, Reese, Devon, Rayna, and Josie. He also leaves 5 brothers and sisters, Edmund L. (Ned) Connolly and wife Joyce, Susan E. Harris and husband John (Chip) , Virginia M. (Ginger) Connolly, Claire E. Copeland and husband Larry, and William E. (Billy) Connolly Jr. and wife Kathy.

Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Compassionate Care ALS Gordon T. Heald Fund PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, January 24, from 4-8 p.m. at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A in Sandwich, MA. Funeral services will be held at the First Church of Christ, 136 Main St., Sandwich, MA on Wednesday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m.