John “Jack” M. Connelly, Jr., age 78, of Rising Sun, MD, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at Christiana Hospital.

Born November 4, 1935 in Baltimore, MD, Jack was the son of the late John M. and M. Pearl (Estes) Connelly, Sr. Jack retired from W.L. Gore in 1999 where he worked in the Engineering department. Prior to working at Gore, Jack worked at his family’s dairy farm, G.P. Connelly and Sons, in Rising Sun, MD. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he served in Germany with the Border Patrol. Jack was a member of the American Legion, Post 194 in Rising Sun, MD, the VFW, Post 8185, in Port Deposit, MD, and the Toastmasters Club. Jack was a spiritual person who loved traveling with his wife, Carol, gardening, and dining. He was also a “people-person”, enjoying interacting with anyone he encountered, however, he was especially fond of his time spent with his wonderful family and his many grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carol Connelly of Rising Sun, MD; son, Steven A. Connelly and his wife, Valerie of Rising Sun, MD; daughters, Lisa A. Groff and her husband, Christ of Everett, PA and Kristine L. Morris and her husband, Kenny of Rising Sun, MD; sister, Mary Faye Aylor and her husband, Harry of NC; 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and one great, great grandson. Including his parents, Jack was also preceded in death by his brother, David M. Connelly who passed away in infancy.

A service honoring Jack’s life will be held at 2pm Saturday, December 14, 2013 at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, MD 21911, where family and friends may visit beginning at 1pm. Burial will follow at Brookview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Haven House, Inc. and sent in care to the funeral home.