John William Connelly, Jr.
May 31, 1949 - June 28, 2025
John William Connelly, Jr., age 76, of Bear, DE, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on May 31, 1949, he was a son of the late John William and Gertrude Veronica (Dooley) Connelly, Sr. John graduated from Christiana High School in 1968. He dedicated his life to his trade; John was a pipe fitter/welder for Local 80 and retired in 2005.
John was a dedicated 60-year life member of the fire service with Christiana Fire Company and Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder. He joined Christiana Fire Co. in 1965, serving as a 1st assistant chief (1974, 1982, 1996), captain, assistant engineer, and was a member of the board of directors for Station 6. John also served 25 years as a life member of Aetna, Hose, Hook and Ladder. He also was a Mason at Lodge # 38. John was an avid pipe smoker and he could always be found with a pipe in his hand.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Stoops. He is survived by his children, Susan Dean, Denise DuBois (Matt) and Michael Connelly; siblings, Bonnie Castelli, Trudy Sizemore, B.J. Cleaver (Parke), Alice Connelly, Tom Connelly (Joyce) and Ed Connelly (Susan); grandchildren, Dylan Dean, Austin Dean, Ryder DuBois, Rohan DuBois, Kyle DuBois, Kylie Connelly and Myah Connelly; great-grandsons, Dominic Dean and Cole DuBois; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder Co., P.O. Box 148, Newark, DE 19715-0148 or online by clicking here.
Crystal Colmery Clough
Denise and family – please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your father. We’re all keeping you in comfort.
Carol Mickewich
I used to live next door to the Connelly’s in Varlano Village, Newark, DE. Denice & my daughter,Renee, were the best of friends as they grew up & still keep in touch. Michael and my daughter, Valerie , were good friends until her death in 2022. My sincere condolences to the entire Connelly families with the loss of John.
Doris DuBois
I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family 🙏
Gene Reed
My condolences to the family and friends of John. He was a super great guy with everyone he met and took a genuine concern for how everyone was doing. RIP… John…. Jake from State Farm…. Bandit and one of the best pipe fitters Delaware ever had! Miss you John and peace be with you in Heaven 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️😇😇😇
Brian Spicer
Tom and family. I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family. John-John , you were a great friend and fellow firefighter that I have known my entire 59 years from Christiana and Aetna. You will be missed. RIP brother.
Debbie McClellan
Susan and family,
I’m so sorry to see that your Dad passed away. I’ll pray for peace and sending hugs.
Dale Streets, Sr.
Very sorry for loss to the family of John aka Dude. He was one of the regulars around Station 9 back in the 80’s and 90’s. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Scott Pileckas
So sorry to read about the loss of one of our fraternity. God bless and keep his family. Condolences. Scott and family.
Bob Thomas
RIP Bandit, So sorry to hear of your passing. John and I both meant while we were both members of the Christiana Fire Company and then we both served our apprenticeship with Pipefitters Local 80 which is now Local 74. We had some good time while we were Pipefitters/Welders, especially when we traveled out of town for work. To the entire Connelly family i’m so sorry for you loss.
Renee Moneta
Susan, Denise, and Michael, my heart goes out to you and pray you heal from the pain & loss with fond memories of the good times you shared with your dad. Hugs and much love. 🥰 😇🙏💗