Bernard L. Connelly Sr.

Bernard L. Connelly, Sr., 86, died Friday, May 16, 2014 after a 24-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Bernie was born February 24, 1928 in New Orleans, LA, to the late William and Bertha Connelly. He graduated from Georgetown University (Chemistry) and Catholic University (Chemical Engineering), and served in the DC National Guard, before moving to West Virginia to work for Union Carbide as a Chemical Engineer. In 1970 he opened a Radio Shack store on Dickinson St. in downtown Charleston, a family business where he taught his children the value of hard work and customer service, and plenty of good (and bad) jokes. After selling the store in 1983, Bernie worked for the WV Department of Education until his retirement, installing computers in schools. Bernie had a lifelong love for music, and his beautiful bass voice was heard in church and community choirs, and the Kanawha Kordsmen barbershop group for many years. He was quick with a joke and a smile, and never met a stranger. Bernie is survived by his loving spouse of 59 years, Georgette, their six children Bernard, Jr. of Huntington, Kenneth (Patti) of East Bank, Thomas (Bridget) of Hurricane, David (Cynthia) of Lexington, SC, Mary Ellen of Ashburn, VA, and Robert (Kathy) of Raleigh, NC; fourteen grandchildren Leah Felton, Michael and Matthew Connelly, Cathy Marcum, Adam Davis, Lacey and Ramey Connelly, Benjamin Connelly, Erin and Chris Huiett, Anthony and Christina Orsino, and Kyle and Drew Connelly; and two great-grandchildren, Drew and Madelyn Marcum. Funeral mass will be held Saturday, May 24, at 11 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, 905 Hickory Road, Hurricane, WV. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. The family wishes to thank the nurses, caregivers, and staff at Regency Place in Scott Depot for their loving care of Bernie during these past few years. A special thank you also to HospiceCare for all the support they provided to Bernie and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, NY NY 10163-4777 (www.michaeljfox.org) or the Putnam County Animal Shelter, 12908 Charleston Road, Red House, WV 25168.

Bernard L. Connelly Sr.

February 24, 1928 - May 16, 2014