Obituary of Michael Connolly

Connolly, Michael John Thomas, age 80 died on August 8, 2013. After a long battle with Alzheimers. Devoted husband of 56 years to Carol A. Connolly (Nee Forbes) of Bethania, NC and beloved father to Diane M. Coger of Bethania, NC, Michael W. Connolly (& Michele) of Butler, NJ, Scott J. Connolly (& Kathleen) of Winston-Salem, NC, Patrick T. Connolly of Winston-Salem, NC, and Jennifer A. Connolly of Franklin Lakes, NJ. Loving grandfather to Ryan, Kelly Ann, Michael, Meghan, Matthew, Hannah, Kaitlyn, and Marissa. He is also survived by his sisters Theresa Womelsdorf and Rita Caloni and her husband Enzo. Michael was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ and had been a long time resident of Saddle River, NJ before moving to Bethania, NC in 2011. Michael was a parishioner of Saint Gabriel's RC Church in Saddle River, NJ. He was a United States Army veteran having served during the Korea War, honorably discharged in 1956. Michael was Vice President of Sales for Wheels, Inc. of Chicago before retiring in 1994. He also owned Action Auto Leasing in Ringwood, NJ. Michael had a great love for carpentry having built several homes and he was also a life-long fan of the New York Giants. He was also widely known for his sense of humor and his incredible dance moves. Michael's family welcomes you to pay your last respects on Monday, 2 - 4, 7 - 9 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Gabriel's RC Church, 88 East Saddle River Road, Saddle River, NJ at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 13th. Private cremation will be held. In lieu of flowers donations in Michael's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Avenue, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834.