Thomas “Tom” Connolly passed away peacefully on May 6, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was born on May 29, 1941, in a Lathrop Homes apartment in Chicago’s North Center/Lincoln Park neighborhood, Chicago is the city he proudly called home throughout much of his life. Tom was known for his hardworking spirit, generous heart, and deep dedication to his community. From a young age, he understood the value of hard work, beginning with shining shoes in neighborhood establishments, delivering newspapers, and working at the Diversey Harbor Golf Range. He later built a successful and respected career in the insurance industry, spending many years with CNA and Ken Gallagher Agency. In his later years, Tom found great fulfillment working in a risk advisory role at Ewing-Doherty Mechanical, where he remained until his passing.

A lifelong volunteer and community leader, Tom gave countless hours to organizations and activities that enriched the lives of others. He was deeply involved with the Jeffersonian Hawthorn Club, helping organize golf outings, Calcuttas, and picnics. He proudly served as President of River Park Baseball, where he also acted as Umpire Director, league coach, and traveling coach. Tom coached football for the Neighborhood Boys Club and devoted many years to St. Benedict Grade School’s Challenge Games as a director, coach, and video production manager. Tom’s passion for youth sports extended to his role as Commissioner of the Big 10 Catholic Basketball League for fourth through sixth grades, where he also served as referee director. He was equally proud of helping organize the beloved Nutt Cup golf outings held across Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, continuing a tradition of friendship and camaraderie that began with earlier Baumann golf trips to Wisconsin. Tom was a proud supporter of the Irish American Heritage Center and held close ties to charitable organizations including the Shriner’s, Scottish Rite, and the Masonic Order.

Golf was one of Tom’s greatest joys. No matter where he was playing,Tom treasured the lifelong friendships and memories the game brought him. His love of Irish heritage was equally strong. He enjoyed traditional Irish music and cherished the four trips he made to Ireland with family and friends, experiences and gatherings that remained close to his heart. Tom will be remembered for his warmth, humor, loyalty, and ability to bring people together. He touched countless lives through his kindness, mentorship, and friendship, and his legacy will live on in the many people fortunate enough to know him.

Beloved husband of the late Penny (Dower); loving father of Kelly (Brian) Winters, Michael (Maureen), Daniel (Michelle) and Thomas (Kelly) ; proud and cherished grandfather of Lauren Clay, Caitlin and Reilly (Aaron) Winters; Sean, Kristen (Matt) Maher, Patrick, Kevin, David and Taylor Connolly; fond brother of Patrick (Maureen), Kevin (Kelly), the late William (Kathy), the late Michael (Barbara) and the late John (Marylou) Connolly; Cherished brother in law of Gail Csapo; dear uncle and cousin of many. 

A Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Hwy in Park Ridge. Funeral will be Tuesday, May 12. Friends are asked to meet at Mary Seat of Wisdom Church for Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines IL. For more info, please call 847-685-1002 www.cooneyfuneralhome.com