CONNOLLY, JOHN W.

John William Connolly, Nov. 22, 2008, former resident of San Ramon, resident of Rossmoor. Loving husband of Bertha; cherished brother of Margaret Collins, Dolores Dillon, William Connolly, Gerard Connolly; devoted father of Patricia Atallah (Mike), Michael (Mary), John Paul (Debra) and to Linda Alworth, Curtis Hayes, Carol Borst, Julie Marshall; beloved grandfather of Brian, Megan, Amyra, Michael, Jenna, Molly, Adam and to Lance, Brett, Garrett, Zachary, Tassara, Hannah Rose; great-grandfather of 4; dear uncle of 11. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and his sister, Muriel (Sister Margaret Andre). Born in Brooklyn, New York to John Paul and Margaret Harvey Connolly, John served as a Marine in WWII with 1st and 2nd Raider Battalions and received the Purple Heart during the battle for New Georgia in the Solomon Islands. He retired in San Ramon after a 35-year career as a Navy civilian firefighter, fire chief and 12th Naval District Fire Marshall, having served in Rota, Spain, Massachusetts and California. In 2006 he and Bertha moved to Rossmoor. A mass will be celebrated Tuesday, December 16, 10 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Walnut Creek.