Charles B. Connolly

Charles B. Connolly, 96 years old, of Port St. Lucie, FL, formerly of Lombard, passed away on March 4, 2018. Loving husband of the late Anne Connolly (nee Reggio); dearest father
to Darlyn (John) Goodwin of Lombard and Charles (Carmela) Connolly of Ft. Pierce, FL. Grandfather of John (Deanna) Goodwin Jr. of Rockwall, TX, Brian (Katie) Goodwin of Joliet, Joseph Goodwin of Lombard, Jesse (Christine) Nitz of Northwoods, and Kari Nitz of Ft. Pierce, FL. Great-grandfather of Samantha, James, Jackson, Jillian, Nathan and Callie. Brother of Lawrence (Sally) Connolly, and the late Daniel (Charlotte) Connolly, Loretta (Al) Dyon, Dolores (Jasper) Cuccinello and William (Sharon) Connolly; brother in law of the late Bernice (Emil) Citro, Marie (Archie) Capasso and Anthony (Mary) Reggio. Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

Chuck was the man everyone loved to be around. He lived through some of the most trying times in America but always had a smile and a positive outlook. He was the oldest of six kids growing up on the west side of Chicago during The Great Depression. He didn’t like to talk about that time much other than to thank God for what he had, his family. He enlisted in the Army and served for three years during World War II. After being injured during a battle in the Philippines, he was awarded a Purple Heart and came home to his love, Anne.
Anne and Chuck married May 16, 1942 in Chicago and soon built their dream home in Lombard where they settled and brought home two beautiful children. Chuck worked 3 jobs to make sure they had everything they needed.

In the mid-80’s he and Anne moved down to Port St. Lucie and enjoyed retirement from International Harvester. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Port St. Lucie Council 7514. Fishing was his thing till the boat sank. To hear him tell that story or any story for that matter, you felt like you experienced it too.

He returned to IL to see his grandkids regularly, many times by bus because Anne didn’t like to fly. They always sat right behind the driver and you can bet he knew their life story way before they arrived.

Nothing gave him more joy than to watch his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids grow up and live his legacy of loving life and all that is around us. He was also good for a few dollars in their pocket each time. He would line up the great grandkids before they went home and had them count with him as he doled out their prize…always five dollars……always in singles…..and he always had exactly enough in is pocket no matter how many little ones were over.

Chuck loved to talk to anyone and everyone. He gave great advice, even if he didn’t always follow it. Do you have a nickname? Maybe you do, but if you don’t, he had one for you. Did you want to be serenaded by a sweet Irish voice? He loved to sing, especially to the ladies. SAY-EE- Every time you spoke with him he would say this. No one, including him knew what it meant but he ALWAYS said it. Cards anyone? He loved to play Rummy with the grandkids and their friends, never going easy on anyone. If, by chance, you beat him he demanded a rematch. Monday Night Raw- with every punch, kick, or move he would jump, punch, kick and act like it was him in the ring. Do you have stock in Wrigley? Well you should have as he always had Juicy Fruit gum in his mouth.

Everyone will have their own special memories of the life he shared with us here on Earth. He had friends of all ages who will agree they are better for knowing him. As Chuck would say, Family is everything and love the one you’re with- Love, Gramps

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 5-7 PM at Haisley Tribute Center, 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984. Burial will take place at Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook, Illinois.