Richard Connolly

SOUTH PORTLAND – Richard Connolly, 88, of South Portland and Fort Myers, Fla., passed away on Aug. 9, 2024, of complications from a long-term lung disease.

Dick, as he was known to all, was born on April 23, 1936, to Henry E. and Gladys (Millberry) Connolly in Portland. Dick graduated from Portland High School in 1955, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Air Force, where he was eventually deployed to Japan, and served until 1960.

He came back to Maine and started work for United Parcel Service (UPS), an expanding company at the time, newly entering the state to do business. He was in the first cohort of workers hired in Maine. Dick immensely enjoyed his 30-year career with UPS, cherishing the lifelong relationships and friendships that he forged there, and often reflecting with pride on the work he did.

Dick married Mary Elizabeth Walsh in 1963. They had their only son, Daniel, in 1964. For Dick, family meant everything. He and Mary made a wonderful and welcoming home for all and hosted gatherings all through the years with dinners and parties that lasted for hours of good cheer and talk. In his retirement, Dick and Mary traveled and enjoyed visiting Dan and his wife Theresa, and their grandchildren, Brendan, John, and Grace. When Mary became sick, he devotedly cared for her through all the difficulties of her illness for many years.

Dick was a member of the South Portland Lions Club and volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels for some years. He was a regular at Willowdale Country Club, golfing with a devoted group there for many years, nearly up until his passing. Dick was a generous man, who never hesitated to help others in their times of need, whatever their needs were. Many can testify to the impact that he and Mary had on them in difficult times.

Late in life, he was fortunate to be with Jeanne (Keites) Lee for a few years. Sadly, she also passed away too soon, and Dick once again devotedly supported and cared for her in her time of need. By then, he was spending winters in Fort Myers, Fla., having purchased a condo on a golf course, and near the beaches. Dick loved the warm sun and came to loathe Maine winters, like so many. He played golf regularly there, always ready to meet new people and forge new friendships. When not on the links, he could be found poolside chatting with his friends and neighbors. He continued hosting friends and family at his condo there.

Dick is survived by his son, Dan, and his wife Theresa, of Barrington, R.I.; his grandchildren Brendan, and his wife Maggie, of Conway, N.H., John, and his wife Colleen, of New Orleans, La., and Grace, of Boone, N.C.; his sister, Marguerite “Peggy”, and her husband Arnie, of Scarborough, and his brother, Bobby, and his wife Linda, of Windham. He also has many nieces and nephews who fondly remember him.

A memorial service will be held in the fall. Condolences may be expressed, and memories shared online at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the South Portland Lions Club.