Timothy Newell Connolly

Timothy Newell Connolly

Tim was born on November 6 ^th 1949 in Minneapolis and died unexpectedly on November 28 ^th of complications from Covid-19 at the age of 71. He was the fifth and last child born to Charlotte Newell and Patrick Lawrence Connolly.

As the youngest in a big family, his early years were spent trying to stand out and establish his own turf. He wandered in and out of experiences. Many were enlightening. Some were difficult.

Tim’s educational quest began as a kindergartner at Northrop Collegiate School. From there, he went on to Blake School and boarding school. His time at the latter ended abruptly after Tim schemed to get kicked out by committing a major infraction—smoking. Two schools later, Tim received a high school diploma from St Thomas Academy in St Paul. Tim’s pursuit of a formal education ended there.

For decades, Tim fought his twin demons of alcohol and drugs. He went from job to job—often making friends and touching people with his intelligence and thoughtfulness. His addictions took a toll, including the end of two marriages. He became estranged from his family and went through treatment several times.

At age 65, Tim finally won the battle and became sober, and the real Tim emerged. He became a daily communicant at the Basilica of St Mary and also a disciple of Bill W. He loved his involvement with the St Vincent de Paul Ministry at the Basilica.  He was proud to be asked to be a lector and a sacristan at Mass.

A large part of Tim’s new life was spent engaging the life of the mind. He was a voracious and eclectic reader as evidenced by his ability to converse on a wide range of subjects.

He rode the bus every day, catching it at 6:25 am so he could get the senior rate and ride around the Twin Cities the rest of the day.

His wanderlust eventually took him to Italy and the Holy Land.

By the time of his death, Tim had made a wide array of friends whom he kept in touch with on his battered cellphone. A techno-skeptic to the end, he never did learn how to send texts or how to retrieve messages, but he religiously returned every call on his recent call list.

Generous of heart and spirit, Tim lived modestly, but he was always the first to befriend the homeless and the downtrodden. He helped anyone who asked.

Tim was a feisty Irishman who loved to talk and appreciated anyone with a good sense of humor. He loved his family, all of whom will miss him and are so proud that he died sober.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Charlotte and Patrick Connolly and two sisters, Maureen Connolly and Mary Michael Connolly.  He is survived by his sister Sheila Morgan (John) of Minneapolis, his brother Larry Connolly (Ellen) of Roswell NM, seven nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews. Tim is also survived by his ex-wife and good friend, Beth Solle.

A memorial mass to celebrate Tim’s life will be held at a future date when it is safe to gather again.

Memorial donations can be made in Tim’s name to the St Vincent de Paul Ministry at the Basilica of St Mary, 88 N 17 ^th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403 or to Ascension School, 1723 Bryant Avenue N, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

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