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No further words have to be said then to simply publish the words formulated by Betty, his  children, and his grandchildren that were used as the eulogy at his funeral Mass. Many people traveled from all parts of the country to attend Tom's wake and funeral. Many of us were then able to stay for the burial at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 23, 2004. The ceremony was devoid of any pomp and ceremony that Tom would have not wanted; but full of the full military honors that he so richly deserved, including the rifle team, honor guard, bugler, and bagpiper. He rests now just scant feet from the Pentagon where he served his country so many times when not in battles abroad.

The following words were elegantly spoken by his grandson.

Eulogy for Thomas Francis Connolly
18 March 2004

How could we not rejoice today to know that my grandfather, your father, your
brother, your husband, and your friend is dwelling in the house of the Lord,
where goodness and kindness will follow him for the rest of his days?

Who was this man, my grandfather, whose life we have gathered here to
celebrate? He was a spiritual man who said the rosary with his new bride while
driving on their honeymoon and who carried a rosary and missile with him into
two war zones where he celebrated mass as an alter server at primitive sites.

Grandad believed in good citizenship. He was adamant about following the laws
and rules but also believed in contributing to the community in which he
lived. He taught High School CCD classes, ran soccer leagues, and managed the
neighborhood watch programs. But probably his biggest contribution in the area
of citizenship is the example he set for his children. I know that as I grew
up, my mother volunteered in the different communities we lived in and by the
time I was in high school I too was involved. I am sure the same is also true
of my Aunts and Uncles. So, think of the ripple that my grandfather has
created as his six children and their children follow his example and reach
out to serve their churches and their communities.

My grandfather was a man of integrity and honor who did not believe in the
gray areas. As he often said to his children, "There is a right way and a
wrong way to do things." He held himself to very high standards and expected
no less from those around him. Although it sometimes seemed impossible to live
up to those standards, each of his children are better people because of the
high expectations that he had for them.

Family loyalty was a key value for my grandfather. It is evident in the love
that he had for his brothers and his sisters as well as for his wife,
children, and grandchildren. I have seen his face light up when Elizabeth ran
into his arms or was lifted onto his bed and I have been told of his
dedication to his mother as he and his brothers and sisters cared for her in
her later years. But no where is his love of family more evident then when you
look at the pictures of he and my grandmother at their fiftieth anniversary.
Life gave them many challenges throughout their marriage and it was not easy,
but the love between them was evident as she devoted her days to keeping him
with us over the last several years. And as we gathered with them at their
special celebration three years ago the love and devotion we saw in his eyes
was testament enough to the love he had for her.

My grandfather was many things to many people. His brother Arthur described
his life well when he said, "like the old Frank Sinatra song.....he did it his
way.  He set his course many years ago and defined it exactly the way he felt
it should be led. At no time did he veer from his chartered course. He did not
bend in the wind...not even in the storm. Just under forty years of sickness
may have been able to bend his now frail body but no storm, no matter how
tough, was able to bend his spirit. Nothing could attack and bend his values
in life.

What a legacy he has left to us all. The lesson we can all learn from him is
that no one should waste time complaining.  No matter the circumstances nor
through the battles he fought did he complain.  Things happen in life and you
need to face them and keep living as fully as you possibly can.

As we celebrate Tom Connolly's life, we are also celebrating his death. Those
of us who saw him recently know that he was trapped inside a bent body and now
he is whole again and at peace and that his spirit will live on in all those
who love him.  And that is certainly a reason for us to come together in this
sacred house to celebrate.