Thomas P Connolly

Thomas Patrick Connolly, 74 of Clifton, NJ, died on May 4, 2023.

Thomas was born February 23, 1949, to John and Kathryn Connolly in the Bronx, NY. He had a happy childhood in the Hillside Homes and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1967, from which he held treasured memories of playing football. Tom studied history at SUNY Cortland and earned a Master’s degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College before beginning a successful 35 year career in banking. He worked in Check Operations at Manufacturers Hanover and later The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he was always eager to interrupt meetings to take phone calls from his children, or to leave early to attend their sporting events. 

To his three children, Kathryn, Thomas, and James, he was a youth soccer and little league coach, bedtime story reader, writing tutor, political debate partner, Fordham dinner guest, Sunday football host, and Irish consigliere.

To his grandchildren, Charlotte and Quinn, he was a friend, Donald Duck, and Cookie Monster.

Tom is predeceased by his parents and his brother John, whom he greatly admired.

He is survived by his three children; their mother, Marian; his daughter-in-law Annie; his two grandchildren; his beloved sister Mary; his brother-in-law, Jim; his sister-in-law Joan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He spent 15 years defying Parkinson’s Disease by playing golf, ballroom dancing, boxing, and exerting his independence.

Visitation will be held at Halpin-Bitecola Funeral Home (1284 Broad St., Bloomfield, NJ) on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 2pm to 6pm.  The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 8, at 12pm at St. John the Evangelist (148 Hamilton Ave., White Plains, NY).  Burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.