Oct 10, 2017 2 min read

E. Russell Connelly, 79 of Waynesburg, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017, in his home.

He was born May 5, 1938 in New Castle, a son of the late Edmond B. and Astrid Nelson Connelly.

Mr. Connelly graduated from Penn State University in 1960 with a degree in business administration. He earned a M.B.A from Waynesburg College in 1989. He participated in the Army R.O.T.C. program at Penn State and served as a First Lieutenant in the Army. He later served in the Army Reserves.

Mr. Connelly was a retired commercial insurance broker. He was a former resident of New Castle where he was active in several community organizations. He was a 50 year member of Mahoning-New Castle Lodge No. 243 Free and Accepted Masons. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Waynesburg. He was a member of the Warrior Trail Association and volunteered at Mason Dixon Park.

His hobbies were photography, golf, and choral music.

Surviving is his wife, Carolyn M. Thomas Connelly PhD, whom he married August 11, 1984.

Also surviving are two sisters, Phyllis Ann Connelly of Washington and Carol Connelly Freidman (Dr. Joel) of Palo Alto, California; a nephew, Jeffrey Friedman of San Jose, California; two nieces, Elizabeth Friedman Haybron of St. Louis, Missouri and Amanda Thomas Howell of Brewer, Maine; a sister-in-law, Lois Meir Thomas Tripp of New Gloucester, Maine and a brother-in-law, Richard G. Thomas of Williamsburg, Maine.

Deceased is a brother-in-law, Robert C. Thomas.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2017 in the mausoleum chapel at Greene County Memorial Park, 1003 Jefferson Road, Waynesburg, followed by services at 11 a.m. with Rev. William Parker officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Behm Funeral Homes Inc., Waynesburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Greene County, 183 Jefferson Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370.

Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.