RAYMOND — Patrick “Joe” Connolly of Panther Pond, and formerly of South Portland, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, with his family by his side.

He was born in Portland, the son of Michael and Nora Dillon Connolly and the stepson of Mary Folan Connolly, all natives of County Galway, Ireland.

Joe graduated from South Portland High School in 1965 and entered the United States Air Force. After his discharge in 1969, he briefly worked at Ametek before temporarily joining Portland Terminal Company, a part of Maine Central Railroad, for 18 years. At the railroad, he was known as “Pat” and was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Ways Employees.

Joe developed a love of computers and was fortunate to be employed by Douglas Computers before getting his dream job as a Help Desk Analyst at Unum, where he worked for 22 years. He enjoyed going to work every day there. He simultaneously earned his degree in Computer Science and graduated from Westbrook College, now the University of New England, in 1994.

For 27 years, he was an integral part of the South Portland American Little League, where he coached baseball alongside his childhood friend, Lee Pettengill. Joe and Lee were usually there six days a week scouting the other teams or working on the fields. They were known for their positive coaching and mentoring of all their players.

Joe was a warm, kind, funny, playful, and eternally optimistic person who had nothing but positive words for everyone he met. He could make a friend in anyone and during his time at Unum and SPALL, he made many wonderful lifetime connections and friendships. He was an encouraging and affectionate father and a loving husband who was never without a huge smile on his face.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Michael.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marie Karatsanos Connolly of Raymond; his daughter, Mara Connolly of Portland, Ore.; his brother, John Connolly of Waterboro; his seven nieces and nephews; and several cousins in Ireland and England.

At Joe’s request, there will be a private burial at Calvary Cemetery. A Celebration of his Life was held at Bruno’s Restaurant, Allen Avenue, Portland from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, Maine. To view Joe’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

Those who wish may make contributions in Joe’s memory to: Maine Irish Heritage Center, PO Box 7588, Portland, ME 04112-7588 or Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route One, Scarborough ME 04074.