Joseph Francis Connelly III

Joseph Francis Connelly III, 82, son of Joseph Jr. and Sarah, brother to Janet, Bev, Jean, and Mary, father of Joseph IV and Erin Beynon (Tim), grandfather to Shane and Nathan, loving husband of the late Joan Connelly, and friend to everyone he met, passed away on August 24, 2024, in Clemson, South Carolina. Born March 9, 1942 in Schenectady, NY into the legendary and extensive Connelly family, Joe grew up surrounded by more cousins, aunts, uncles, and family friends than one could imagine. The family home at 810 Altamont Ave and the Connelly Bros Dairy were the hubs that brought the close-knit family together and built Joe’s strong sense of family that was a constant throughout his life. Educated at St. Columba’s in Schenectady and Siena College, he earned an accounting degree and was a member of ROTC. After graduation he commissioned into the US Army where he proudly and bravely served in Vietnam. Upon returning to the States, he continued his service as a member of the NY National Guard while pursuing a career as a CPA. His CPA career included many years as partner in various firms and concluded with a number of Controller positions. Joe and Joan Wooton met in 4th grade at St. Columba’s. Their 58-year marriage was filled with adventures, starting with moves to northern NY, Oklahoma, and Washington state, all in their first year of marriage due to Joe’s military training assignments. After Joe’s return from Vietnam they settled in Schenectady, raised a family, and built an active social life. A lifelong Phillies fan, Joe loved sports and played basketball and baseball in his youth as well as softball, golf, bowling, and tennis throughout his adult life. He was the consummate doubles player and could help any partner elevate their game. He loved the flow and strategy of the game, but more importantly he loved all the people he played with. And if pinball was a sport, Joe would have been All-World, and he was always ready to take on anybody who stood across a ping-pong net. He was a great Babe Ruth baseball coach for Joe IV and a great mentor for Erin on the tennis court and pitching mound. Whatever sports the kids played, Joe and Joan were their greatest supporters. And somehow they also encouraged their children’s musical endeavors, no matter how loud the household became. Blessed with grandchildren through Erin and Tim, Joe and Joan moved to Salem, SC in 2004. They loved the Keowee community and watching Shane and Nathan grow into fine young men. We thank the Keowee community for welcoming Joe and Joan with open arms – they found their happy place! The family will hold a Memorial Mass for Joe on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11:00am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 170 Bountyland Rd. in Seneca. He will be interred at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider a donation in Joe’s name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Joseph Francis Connelly III

March 9, 1942 - August 24, 2024