Paul M. Connolly

Paul Connolly, of New Hampshire and formerly of South Boston, passed to eternal rest unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 after an ongoing illness. He will be deeply missed by his beloved sidekick Deborah ‘Debbie’ (Smith) Connolly of forty-five years, his sister-in-law Susan (Smith) and her husband Paul Smith, his former wife Linda Connolly and their son Lance Connolly and his wife Kelly. Much-loved ‘Uncle Paul’ to many godchildren, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and missed by countless cousins and friends. Paul’s dedication to his family and friends will always be remembered.

Paul joins his cherished parents William and Eleanor (Fowler) Connolly along with his siblings already at rest, his brothers Mike, Sid and Billy, and his sisters, Ellie, Margaret Blossom, Mary, Mimi, Peggy, Selma, and Shirley. Born in South Boston and raised surrounded by family and friends, Paul said his hometown was a place where everyone ‘knew who you were, where you were, and what you were up to.’ Paul was the youngest child and last surviving member of his large animated family where he relished being the ‘baby brother’ of such a large family. After schooling, Paul enlisted in the military and served honorably within the United States. Paul was a proud veteran of the of the United States Air Force, serving as a Military Policeman for the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War.

Paul followed in his father’s footsteps after his military service, as a longshoreman with the International Longshoremen’s Association, Local 800 Union. He thoroughly enjoyed the physical part of working ‘on the water’, mixing it up with his mates and sharing memories and laughs day in and day out over his forty-year career. During his career, Paul worked aboard many types of vessels but reminisced he enjoyed the ‘old days’ before containerization using his rigging and loading skills to move every type of cargo imaginable arriving into and leaving from the Port of Boston.

Paul married his beloved Debbie in 1986 and built a happy life together while juggling work and family. When not at work, Paul was known for ‘stopping by’ for a cup of tea or coffee with a loaf of bread and some sweets to chinwag away, making certain his family and friends were well and not in need, but most importantly to share a laugh. Paul enjoyed all things American, Boston, New England, New York Yankees, and Newfoundland. Spending time chatting while walking or biking the Cape Cod Canal or Castle Island’s Sugar Bowl, debating Red Sox versus Yankees strength, or evaluating Bruins versus Canadians games were his way of letting you know where he stood and also how the local and world politics of the day related.

In retirement, Paul spent over twenty years in New Hampshire with his best friend and mate Debbie enjoying their time together spoiling their pets and horse. Paul enjoyed life as a ‘gentleman farmer’ and often remarked at the beauty and peacefulness of the New Hampshire Lakes and Mountains saying, “how did a guy from the city get so lucky to end up here”.

We ask you to remember Paul with a smile, a hug and some of his quick wit. “You are worth more alive than dead, so take your hand and put where you back pocket is, pull yourself up, and keep moving”.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Disabled Veterans of America (DAV.org) in his honor, or the charity closest to your heart.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Sunday, December 28th from 2-6 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital). Private burial will take place in Massachusetts National Cemetery.