Joseph Francis Connelly

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.