Obituary of Joseph A. Connelly Sr.

Joseph A. Connelly Sr., 77, of Binghamton, passed away peacefully Thursday, Octorber 31, 2002, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 51 years, Christina on August 12, 2002; and his son, Joseph Connelly Jr. He is survived by his son and daughters, James Connelly, Ithaca, Katherine and Anthony Citriniti, Binghamton, Christina and John Hlavac, Johnson City, Mary and Dell Boyle, Conklin; eight grandchildren, Heather, Ceara, Lisa, Joseph, Jackie, Dell, Lloyd and Lincoln; and his special great-grandson, Gavin; five sisters, Mary McLenegin, Anne Jurgeson, Agnes Connelly, Theresa Myers, Margaret McInerney; and close friends, Orlando Ciotoli, John Babuka and Dr. Robert La Fave. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Binghamton, a retired insurance representative with Allstate for over 40 years, and a US Navy veteran of WWII. Those who knew and loved Joe will remember his overwhelming love of life, dedication to his family, religious devotion, sense of humor and his strength and wisdom in the toughest of times. Joe loved the game of golf where he reigned supreme. The family wishes to acknowledge, with gratitude, all those who touched his life during his illness including Dr. Steven Spivak, Lynn Jones, his aide, and to all who helped with his care from the Hospice Program. Joe held a special place in his heart for his Hospice Nurse, Johanna Casey, who provided respect, dignity, love and friendship during his illness. Thank you dad, for your gifts of strength, moral character, humor and being such a loving provider. "We loved you so...twas heaven here with you." Funeral services will be held at theJ. A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St. Binghamton, Monday, at 11:30 a.m. and at 12 noon at St. Patrick's Church, where a Funeral Mass will be offered. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home Sunday, from 2 to 5 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Joe may be made to the Hospice Program, c/o Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, 169 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905.