Francis A. Connolly

Francis “Frank” Connolly, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and longtime member of the Reading community, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025 at the age of 88, surrounded by family.

Francis proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps before beginning a lifelong career with the Reading School Department, where he worked as a custodian for over 30 years. He was known for his friendly presence, pride in his work, and the care he showed toward generations of students and staff, becoming not only a valued colleague but also a mentor and friend.

He had a lifelong passion for sports and especially loved attending the games of his children and grandchildren—never missing a chance to cheer them on. Outside of work, Francis enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: time with family, neighborhood conversations, singing Irish music, telling stories, watching sporting events, and sharing moments of laughter that became treasured memories. Francis’s legacy lives on in the example he set—for dedication, family devotion, service to country, strong faith, and devotion to the Catholic Church.

Francis is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Caroline (Surette), with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He is also survived by his son Michael Connolly and his wife, Mary, and their children Kevin and Brian; daughter Mary Connolly and her wife, Lauren, and their children Finn and Matilda; and daughter Danielle Caraco and her husband, Matthew, and their children Jackie, Katie, and Michael. He was the dear brother of the late Martin Connolly, Fr. John Connolly, Peter Connolly, Mary Goulding, Sally Candelieri, Ann Cooper and Kathleen Barbati. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden Street, Reading, MA. A Funeral Mass will follow on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Agnes Church, 186 Woburn Street, Reading. Interment will immediately follow at Wood End Cemetery in Reading.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Francis’s memory to Christ the King Parish in Reading.

The Connolly family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to friends, neighbors, and caregivers for the love, support, and kindness shown during this difficult time.