Edward Connolly

OXFORD – Edward W. Connolly, 91, died on Saturday, November 21, 2015. He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Mary E. (Tucker) Connolly of Oxford. He is survived by five children, Joanne M. Thompson and her husband Paul, Ellen M. Sabourin and her husband Michael, Carol A. Connolly and her husband Frank Schiller, Richard J. Connolly and his wife Penny, and Susan J. Legein and her husband Shawn; 12 grandchildren, John, Julie, Michelle, Stephen, Kaileigh, Erin, Breigh, Maggie, Sarah, Jacqueline, Teresa, and Kevin; five great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and in-laws. He was predeceased by brothers, Paul and Vincent Connolly; and sisters, Rita Coughlin and Irene McGrath. He was born in Worcester, son of the late Paul A. and Georgianna (LaRose) Connolly, and lived in Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1953. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School in 1942. He received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from Fitchburg State College. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II.

Mr. Connolly was principal of the Clara Barton and Woodward Schools in Oxford for over 35 years. He was a member of the Planning Board and past president of the Worcester County Teacher’s Association. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4241 in Oxford and the Sodality of the Holy Cross at the College of the Holy Cross.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling hours are Tuesday, November 24, 2015, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Senior Center, c/o the Council on Aging, 323 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540.