Aug 7, 2023

Expand Charles J. Connolly and his wife, Margaret, enjoyed dancing and playing bridge together. (Courtesy of Kevin Connolly) Charles J. Connolly, an employee of the Bell Atlantic telephone company, died of Alzheimer’s disease July 22 at Oak Crest Village, a retirement community in Parkville. He was 95. “He cared about two things, family and work, in that order,” Kevin Connolly, his oldest son, said. Advertisement Charles J. Connolly, son of J. Duane Connolly, supervisor of mails at the Baltimore City Post Office, and Nan Scott Connolly, a homemaker, was born and raised in Baltimore. In 1946, Mr. Connolly graduated from what is now known as Loyola Blakefield in Towson. Advertisement After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served as a pharmacist’s mate from 1946 to 1948. He earned a full merit scholarship to what is today Loyola University Maryland and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1952. After college, he began working at the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Co., which became part of Bell Atlantic and is now owned by Verizon Communications. Following a 36-year career in management, where he worked in the network, human resources and finance departments, he retired in 1988. In 1950, Mr. Connolly married Margaret Connolly and raised three sons and two daughters in Loch Raven Village in Towson. They lived there for 45 years before moving to Oak Crest Village in 2004. Mr. Connolly was “a great example of just good values and being consistent and loving,” a daughter, DeSales Lacy, said. The Morning Sun Daily Get your morning news in your e-mail inbox. Get all the top news and sports from the baltimoresun.com. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy . > “[He was an] honorable and an honest man who always did what he thought was right, no matter what the cost,” Kevin Connolly said. Advertisement The son said one of his father’s primary goals was to send his children to the college of their choice, which he did by paying the tuition costs of those who attended. When his wife’s health started to decline, Mr. Connolly visited her in the nursing home every day until her death in 2015. The couple enjoyed dancing and playing bridge together. Mr. Connolly was also enthusiastic about history and politics. At Oak Crest Village, one of his favorite activities was participating in group quiz games. “He was still polite and appreciative and thankful, which is wonderful that he held on to all those good parts of his personality, even until the end,” DeSales Lacy said. Expand Image 1 of 53 Dr. Jack McKay Zimmerman was the chief of surgery at Church and Home Hospital who brought hospice care to Baltimore. (handout) Funeral services for Mr. Connolly were held at the Oak Crest Village Chapel on Wednesday, followed by interment at the Baltimore National Cemetery. Mr. Connolly is survived by his three sons, Dr. Kevin Connolly of Germantown, Brian Connolly of Shady Side, Brendan Connolly of Weatogue, Connecticut; two daughters, Susan Cihak and DeSales Lacy, both of Ellicott City; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. His younger brother, J. Duane Connolly Jr., preceded him in death in 2013. Advertisement