John J. Connelly

John J. Connelly, 82, of Topsfield, passed away peacefully at his home on March 17, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Pauline G. (Hearn) Connelly, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late John and Eleanor (Conners) Connelly. John was raised and educated in Salem, graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Lynn before earning his bachelor’s degree from Boston College. A lifelong proud Eagle, he cherished his alma mater and the Boston College community. John took great pride in his Irish heritage and was known for his quick wit and warm sense of humor, which brought joy to his family and many friends.

John’s happiness came from the life he built together with his high school sweetheart, Pauline.
Their journey was filled with beautiful everyday moments, and what truly mattered most was that they were together. John and Pauline’s home was filled with warmth, where their children and grandchildren were raised in the embrace of their love and laughter.

John enjoyed many years in real estate sales, where clients valued his good-natured disposition. Later, John and his brother Paul owned and operated Colonial Engravers in Salem. John and Paul worked together with ease and created a beloved family business that provided many fond memories for everyone who worked there.

John is survived by his loving wife, Pauline; his son, Charles Connelly and his family of Salem; his daughter, Christine Driver and her husband Richard, of Topsfield, and their daughters Elizabeth Driver of Wakefield and Melissa Driver of Topsfield. He also leaves his brother, Paul Connelly, and his wife, Karen Roche of Beverly, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings, Maureen, Brian, Brenda, Kathleen, and Virginia Connelly, as well as three lifelong friends—Paul, Billy, and Bobby—whom he now joins in eternal rest.

John’s funeral service will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. at C.R. Lyons and Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street, Danvers. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Salem. Visiting hours will be Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson’s research. To share a message with John’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.