John D. "Jack" Connolly

The laughter resounds in Heaven. John D. “Jack” Connolly, 90 years of age, passed away peacefully under hospice care at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 12, 2018. He will be missed by his wife of 68 years Elaine Woodman Connolly, his son Kevin, wife Suzanne, favorite grand-daughter Kaelen Connolly and her boyfriend Nick Coger. His son Kurt, wife Mary, and favorite grandsons Robert and Jon Connolly. Jack was a graduate of Fordson High School and Henry Ford Trade School and enjoyed 36 years in architectural design for Michigan Bell Telephone Company. Every time he passed a Michigan Bell building, he would proudly point it out. He was very lucky to be retired for many more years than he worked. Following his retirement, he was a partner in a bowling alley and movie theatre in Wyandotte, Michigan. He managed the theatre for a number of years. Following his second retirement, he became an avid golfer and achieved a hole-in-one. He was a proud lifetime member of the Traverse City Elks’ Club. Jack had the gift of a true Irish storyteller. If you were ever in Jack’s presence, you heard a joke - or more likely many jokes. He could keep a crowd in stitches for hours. Jack and Elaine were able to enjoy many winters as “snowbirds” in Gulf Shores, Alabama. In the summer, they resided on Duck Lake near Traverse City. They moved to Story Point in Rockford, Michigan in September of 2017. Jack quickly became the pub and poker king. He happily enjoyed residing there. In all of these locations, Jack and Elaine had many friends and enjoyed many good times. If you would like to honor Jack, have a Detroit Coney Island hot dog, a cold Budweiser, and enjoy a Tiger baseball game. (And mute your TV and yell at the umpire). Jack will be missed by all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Spectrum Health Hospice, 100 Michigan St NE. MC 004 Grand Rapids, MI. 49503 A memorial celebration of a life well lived will be held on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 12:00 noon at Saint Alphonsus Church 224 Carrier NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Jack’s family will greet family and friends one hour before the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Elaine’s (Woodie’s) address is 2885 10 Mile Rd Rockford, MI 49341 Nearby hotel is Springhills Suites by Marriott 450 Center Drive NW Grand Rapids MI 49544

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John D. "Jack" Connolly

March 29, 1928 - August 12, 2018