Obituary of Martin F. Connelly

Our beloved father and grandfather, Martin Connelly, passed in peace at his home on March 12, 2025.  He has entered into eternal rest after an extraordinary life of 87 years which we celebrate. Born June 12, 1937 to Olivin and Marie Connelly. Marty is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Estelle (Teter), his four daughters Diane and Patrick (Wilkosz), Suzanne and Marty (Johnson) , Colleen and Kevin (McNulty) and Kelly and Andrew (Bariteau).  Grandfather to Jason, Jessica, Courtney, Kyle, Shannon, Casey and Julia. Brother of James (deceased), Neil and Mariette Miller.  

Attending Depew High, Marty was class officer for four years.   In high school & college athletics he excelled at all sports. He was named to the First Team ECIC All Star teams for football and basketball & lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He was named Boy of the Year at Depew Boys Club. He received a bachelor's degree from SUNY at Cortland and master's degrees from both University at Buffalo and Canisius College.  But it was his dedication to teaching at St Mary's in Lancaster and Depew schools for 32-years where he left his mark.  In 1989, he was named Educator of the Year having pioneered the Intra-School Teaching Program and the first Drug Awareness Program in Depew. Apart from his lengthy career as an educator, Marty coached JV football for 18 years and was awarded JV Coach of the year in 1980. He also coached boys basketball, baseball and girls track and field. He retired from teaching in 1996 but his passion and devotion to Depew and its children will always be remembered.  He is a recipient of the Depew Schools Wall of Fame award. He was a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Depew. Post retirement, Marty spent time traveling with his wife and close friends.  Wintering along the Florida beaches, white-water rafting in Ontario and trips out west were some of his most memorable. 

The family will present on Monday, March 17th, 2025 from 3 - 7 PM at the Cichon-Borgosz Funeral Home Inc., 4929 Broadway, Depew  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Mother Teresa Parrish, St James Church. Flowers gratefully declined but Memorials may be made to the Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo or Boys & Girls Club of Depew-Lancaster.