Obituary of Robert E. Connelly

Robert E. Connelly Jr. passed away June 12, 2020 in Arlington, TX of cancer. He was 76 years old.Bob was born in Station Hospital, West Point, New York, the eldest of eight children of Robert E. (Sr.) and Elizabeth (Lib) Abram Connelly. As his father’s career took them, the family moved to several cities in the northeast and Bob claimed Lockport, N.Y. as his home town having been there the longest during their relocations. In 1960, the family settled in Fort Worth, his forever home, where he graduated from Laneri High School, attended St. Andrew Catholic Church, and married his high school sweetheart with whom he had four children – Matthew David, Mark Patrick, John Robert, and Christine Marie. He began his career in banking operations at Ft. Worth National Bank and pursued his career there and in New Orleans and Dallas for 40 years forming friendships lasting a lifetime.He married Constance Brewton in 1979 who brought to the merger three children – John Christian, Mary Margaret, and Joseph Duncan. Bob and Connie were once told in New Orleans “you make good cookies”, a Louisiana expression they didn’t quite understand but took as a compliment.His avocation was music, most notably singing “deep bass” in choir and with the Men of Note barbershop chorus. He was a longtime member, active in quartets, and served many years as treasurer. He was noted for giving a treasury report that went something like: “We spent some money, we brought in some money, and we still have some left.”He loved his family and was proud of them. His special treat was his mother’s ham loaf which, try as we may, cannot be duplicated.He was smart, enjoyed a witty remark and loved a good story (of which he had a million) and if he could make you chuckle he was happy.Bob was a man of integrity who did his job and kept his word. His advice was respected and followed by family, friends, and work associates.He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.He is survived by his wife Connie of 41 years, his children and step children, 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren (all of whom call him “Pop”), 7 brothers and sisters and a loving extended family.He will be missed.“And David said to Solomon his son: Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not nor be dismayed for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee until thou has finished all the work…” 1 Chronicles 28:20