CONNOLLY, EDWARD, ANTHONY
a Newport native, passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at The Miriam Hospital in Providence. Born on August 8, 1940, Ed was the son of the late John P. and Alice Dwyer Connolly. Ed was a graduate of St. Augustin Elementary School and De La Salle Academy. Following his graduation from De La Salle, Ed entered Saint Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Md., where he studied philosophy and theology. He was ordained as a Catholic priest and served at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence. While at the Cathedral, Ed ministered to the community of South Providence, including within Providence's Catholic Schools and at Rhode Island Hospital. Following his time in the priesthood, Ed married his wife of 47 years, Gertrude, and earned a master's degree in special education from Rhode Island College and in school counseling from Providence College. He began a new career at Warren High School, where he taught behaviorally-challenged students. Several times a week he would return to the East Bay at night to teach adults with developmental disabilities. Ed loved his students, often hosting parties at the schools and organizing field trips. Later in his career, Ed became a guidance counselor in the newly-formed Bristol-Warren School District. A member of the Newport Yacht Club and avid sailor, Ed spent every day possible sailing his boat, the Vatican III. He was a licensed U.S. Merchant Marine Officer, and enjoyed sharing his love of the water with others. After retirement he was a tour guide for Viking Tours, where he introduced tourists to Newport and its harbor. He was a member of the Newport Historical Society; Redwood Library and Athenaeum; the Museum of Newport Irish History; the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Education Association; and the Arc. He also enjoyed his participation in the Salve Regina Circle of Scholars Program. Besides his wife, Gertrude, Ed leaves his daughters, Kristen (Heather) Connolly of West Warwick and Katelyn (Gianni) Petteruti of Newport, and three grandchildren, Gian, Owen, and Maryrose Petteruti of Newport. He also leaves his beloved sister, Mary C. Connolly of Newport, his brother-in-law, James E. Clancy of Tiverton, and nieces and nephews. Ed was the brother of the late Alice C. Clancy of Tiverton and John P. Connolly of Florida. Visiting hours will be Friday, July 9th, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Costigan-O'Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Church, Broadway, Newport on Saturday, July 10th, at 10 a.m., followed by a graveside burial service at St. Columba's Cemetery, Middletown. Information and directions are available at Costigan-O'Neill Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sail to Prevail, 60 Fort Adams Dr., Newport RI 02840, www.sailtoprevail.org, in Ed's memory would be greatly appreciated.
Smooth sailing, Ed. You will be greatly missed by your family and friends, and may God hold you in the hollow of his hand. For more Information and directions, please visit the Costigan-O'Neill Funeral Home website, www.oneillfuneralhomes.com
Ed was an active member of CORPUS Rhode Island group.
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by The Providence Journal from Jul. 7 to Jul. 8, 2021.