Dr. Harold R. Connelly Jr., age 89, of Stratford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Bridgeport on June 18, 1936 to the late Dr. Harold R. Connelly Sr. and Marguerite Claire Phelan, he was the devoted husband of Patricia M. Pjura Connelly, and the loving father of three children and one grandchild.

A graduate of Fairfield University, Dr. Connelly went on to attend the prestigious Georgetown University School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Following dental school, he proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Dental Corps, spending three years stationed in Taipei, Taiwan.  After completing his military service, he pursued advanced specialty training in orthodontics at Columbia University before returning home to Stratford to establish his orthodontic practice; eventually building 2499 Main Street which housed his practice and other businesses at the corner of Main and Broadbridge in Stratford, CT.

For over 50 years, Dr. Connelly cared for generations of families, earning a reputation for clinical excellence and compassion. He was especially passionate about utilizing functional orthodontic techniques to attain the best results possible for a patient's health and well-being, and remained deeply committed to continuing education; becoming board certified in orthodontics, an honor attained by a select number of orthodontists nationwide.

Having grown up in the Lordship section of Stratford where he met his future wife, Dr. Connelly loved boating and spending time near the water. He embraced life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a sense of humor. Music remained a constant source of joy throughout Harold's life.  A passion which he inherited from his father and passed on to his children.  He even went so to far as to produce a rock n roll revival concert at JFK stadium in Bridgeport, with his brother in the 1970's, which featured Chubby Checker and Herman's Hermits. Harold loved all types of music but was especially fond of Bob Marley and reggae music. He was also a "foodie" who delighted in exploring different cuisines, discovering new restaurants and recipes, and cooking special holiday meals for his loved ones.  He and his wife Patricia were blessed to be able to travel extensively in their later years.

In addition to his beloved wife, Patricia, he is survived by his daughter, Deborah Connelly of Stratford, Connecticut; his son, Todd Connelly, daughter-in-law, Carolina Connelly, and grandson Johnny Connelly of California; his son, Darryl Connelly and daughter-in-law, Heather Connelly, of Georgia; and his sister, Gail Connelly of Maine as well as extended family members, and several nieces and nephews.

Calling Hours will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Dennis & D'Arcy - Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial be held on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark R.C. Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT. Interment will immediately follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery of Stratford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stratford Library, Sterling Community Center, or a charity of one's choice. To offer online condolences or share memories with the family please visit http://www.dennisanddarcy.com