CONNOLLY, Thomas J. A Needham pediatrician who cared for thousands of children during his 38 years of practice, died Saturday, August 14, 2010, surrounded by his family. He was 74 years old. Dr. Connolly was born & raised in Dorchester. His parents Michael & Janie Connolly, were Irish immigrants. Dr. Connolly attended Boston College High School & Boston College. After graduating from NY Medical School in 1962, Dr. Connolly served as a Captain in the US Air Force. He completed his internship at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Brighton & his residency at the Boston Floating Hospital. In 1967 he joined Needham Pediatrics where he practiced for 38 years. Dr. Connolly was known for his compassion, gentle bedside manner & sense of humor. He was legandary in the Town of Needham for his exemplary standard of care. Often times Dr. Connolly would care for children & grandchildren of his former patients. Outside of work his passion was his wife & 4 boys. Dr. Connolly met his wife Patricia (Dwyer) Connolly at Boston College & they were married in 1962. They had 4 boys one which Thomas Jr. followed in his father's footsteps & is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist at Brigham & Womens Hospital. In addition to his work at Needham pediatrics, Dr. Connolly was on the staff of several hospitals, Glover Hospital, Newton Wellesley Hospital, Childrens Hospital, Brigham & Womens Hospital. He was a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics & a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics & had a teaching appointment at Tufts University. Thomas was also a member of the Mass. Medical Society & he was a long time board member of the Mass Maternity Foundation. In 2002 Boston Magazine listed Dr. Connolly as one of the top pediatricians in the Boston area.
Devoted father of Billy Connolly of NYC, Tom Connolly & his wife Cathy of Newton, Brian Connolly & his wife Nicole & Mark Connolly all of Boston. Grandfather of Peter, Thomas & Ella. Brother of the late Frank & John Connolly.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., (Exit 19B off Rte. 128) NEEDHAM, Wednesday, at 9 a.m. Funeral Mass in St. Josephs Church, Needham, at 10 a.m. Relatives & friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8. Interment St. Marys Cemetery, Needham. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Dr. Connolly's memory to the Franciscan Hospital for Children, 30 Warren St., Brighton 02135.