Michael Conneely

Michael Conneely, 84, of Watertown, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Inis Meáin, Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland on March 29, 1941, Michael was raised in a tight-knit island community rich with tradition and resilience. As a young man, he ventured to London, England, before immigrating to the United States. He lived in San Francisco for a time before settling in Boston, where he would build his life and family.

In 1969, Michael joined the Carpenters Union Local 33, devoting himself to over 55 years of hard work and craftsmanship. That same year, on October 18, he married Máirín Hernon, beginning a 56-year partnership filled with devotion and joy.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife Máirín, their five children — Paul Conneely (Kathy) of West Roxbury, Kathleen Conneely of Belmont, Barbara Conneely (Rory) of Watertown, Christina Carter (Greg) of Belmont, and Michael Conneely (Carolyn) of Belmont.  And his eleven adored grandchildren - Ronan, Gavin, Liam, Rory, Brendan, Aidan, Ryan, Delaney, Vivienne, Evelyn, and Lilly.  

A man of strong family values and warm generosity, Michael never met a stranger. He loved travel and long road trips, walks around the neighborhood, chats with friends new and old, listening to country music, and most of all, time spent with his grandchildren. He was always ready to help — whether it was a loved one or someone he'd just met.

For 15 years, Michael lived with dementia, a journey that slowly took from us the vibrant man we knew. Yet even as memories faded, the essence of who he was — kind, generous, full of quiet strength — remained. Today we say goodbye to the soul of a wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather.

Slán go fóill — goodbye for now

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to visit in the Brown & Hickey Funeral Home, 36 Trapelo Rd. Belmont, MA on Friday July 18th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Luke’s Parish, 132 Lexington St. Belmont, MA on Saturday at 10:00 AM.  Interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Luke’s Parish Chapter. To learn more and make direct donations you can visit the St. Vincent de Paul website https://www.svdpboston.org/

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