With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved “Bingo,” father, grandfather “GPop,” uncle, and friend. John Connolly Sr., 65, of Staten Island, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024. John succumbed to 9/11-related cancer which he acquired while he assisted his fellow brothers at Ground Zero following the September 11th terrorist attacks.

John was a Staten Island native, born in Dongan Hills on August 29, 1959, to the late James and Elizabeth Connolly. John graduated from New Dorp High School in 1977. He went on to become one of New York’s Bravest in 1989 when he joined the FDNY. He started his career in Brooklyn at Ladder 156 at Kings Highway before transferring to Ladder 80 in Staten Island. John was a proud firefighter for 13 years before retiring in 2002.

John found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was sharing a slice at Lee’s Tavern, where friends became family, or volunteering his time on the board of directors of the Staten Island Little League. He took immense pride in watching his sons grow up on the baseball field. Every Thursday was reserved for golf, a game he loved, especially when played with his friends at Linkside Golf Club. These moments, spent with loved ones and doing what he enjoyed, were a true reflection of the kind and generous soul he was.

He was predeceased by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 38 years, Jeanne; his beloved son, Michael; his parents, James and Elizabeth; and his brother, Patrick.

John is survived by his loving children, John Jr., James, Joseph, and Thomas; his daughters-in-law, Megan, Francesca, and Krystn; his grandchildren, Gia, Sofia, John III, and Joseph Jr.; mother-in-law, Jeanne Lorenzo; aunt, Joanne Maloney; brother, James; sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Benny D’Amato; and nieces and nephews, Julieann and Frank, Erica and Dennis. He also leaves behind his four-legged, furry son, Champ.