Byron Patrick Connolly
Byron Patrick Connolly, best known as “Pat”, was born May 4, 1940, in Indianapolis, to Arthur Byron and Marie Geraldine (Koch) Connolly. He was raised in Syracuse and upon graduation from Syracuse High School in 1958, was willing and ready to join the U.S. Marine Corps.
There is no denying Mr. Connolly was proud of his 22-year career in the Marine Corps, which included two tours in Vietnam as a track vehicle driver and mechanic. Upon retirement from the Corps, he took a job with Ford Aerospace as a Senior Field Technician to test the Sgt. York track vehicle. Once the program ended, he continued his Federal service as a civilian at Camp Pendleton.
He loved the Marine Corps, riding his motorcycles, the race track (Indy cars and Sprint cars), dancing, and spending time with family and friends. His sense of humor was always on target and his smile contagious. He remains true to his Indiana roots and never waivered from his deep convictions.
Byron Patrick Connolly is survived by his wife Debbie, his three children Michael, Jennifer, and Amy; three step-children Ernesto, Erica, and Andrea; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, Brother Timothy Connolly, Cousin James Connolly, and Cousin Terry Babbitt, Niece Allisa Davidson-Douglas, and Niece Sharri-Lynn Connolly: preceded in death by his parents Arthur Byron and Marie Geraldine Connolly and Brother James W. Connolly.
ALWAYS LOVED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS Association on behalf of Byron Connolly. Greatly appreciated!
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 2, at Miramar National Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at the American Legion Post 365, Vista, Calif. at noon.
A Celebration of Life to be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, at St. Andrews United Methodist Church. A gathering of friends and family will follow at noon at the Frog Tavern in Syracuse. Eastlund Funeral Home is assisting the family with the local arrangements.