John Francis Connolly

John Francis Connolly, 78, of Carlisle died Tuesday September 25th in his home. John was the loving husband of Nancy Connolly, the loving father of Christopher (wife Jessica) Connolly and the loving grandfather of Elizabeth. John was born in Boston MA on Mar 9th 1940 to loving parents Agnes and John Connolly. He was the youngest of 3 siblings. His brother Michael Connolly and his sister Ellen Doucette. John embarked on his career of service to the country he loved after graduating from Saint Mary’s High School in Lynn MA, and enlisted in the Army. In his words, he “survived” Officers Candidate School and was Commissioned Infantry as an 18 year old. The Army shaped his life for the next 30+ years. It allowed him the opportunity to attend Saint Anselm College and graduate school in Philosophy at Boston College. While attending school, John met his soul mate Nancy Larkin. They married on November 29th 1969 and she has been by his side through every deployment, every training exercise and every move ever since. On August 22 1974 John and Nancy welcomed their son Christopher into their lives.
John enjoyed his long service in the military, he loved his soldiers, especially his NCO’s. John taught cadets at West Point, had the privilege to lead light infantry in Vietnam, soared from the night sky with Paratroopers in the 82nd, led and trained Light Infantry in the 7th and 25th ID’s. John finished his career at Carlisle Barracks as the Deputy Commandant of the United States Army War College. His military service can be summed up by a simple passage written by David Hackworth. “What’s needed are senior leaders who love and fight for the troops. Leaders who live by the principles of leadership. You know, always first up, last to bed, last in the chow line. A man who leads by the motto: FOLLOW ME”.
John Retired from the Army he loved in 1995, but his career spent serving did not stop. John worked as the Director of Veteran Affairs for Cumberland County and also as the Chief Clerk for the county. John said “It is said that everyone has 15 minutes of fame, mine came when we formed the Cumberland County Honor Guard”. For all of John’s accomplishments and experiences, he was most proud of being a part of this Honor Guard. He said “The Members of the Honor Guard give special meaning to Duty, Honor and Country”.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday October 1st 2018 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Dr. Carlisle PA with Rev. Martin O. Moran III officiating. A visitation will be on Sunday, September 30, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Rd, Carlisle PA and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday at the Church. Burial will follow at a later date with full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, please send monetary donations to the Cumberland County Honor Guard, 20 N. Hanover St. Suite 103 Carlisle, PA 17013.
To sign the guestbook, please visit www.HoffmanFH.com.