Richard M. Connelly, Jr., more affectionately known as “Rich,” of Inverness, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old. Rich was born in Springfield, IL on October 6, 1937, to Richard M. and Lillian (Remack) Connelly. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1955 when he was 18 years of age, and was assigned to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 in Guam. He was honorably discharged in 1959.
Rich returned to his hometown of Springfield and founded Connelly Construction. He also enjoyed an extensive career with the Springfield Fire Department, where he dedicated himself to being an exceptional firefighter. He rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as Chief Arson Investigator. Rich always considered his profession a calling and was deeply committed to helping others and serving his community. He retired after 32 years of dedicated service.
Rich met Bonnie Lee Beckner at a Lanphier High School dance in 1955. They were married in 1975 at the First Church of God in Springfield, blending their families into one loving family of seven. Following his retirement from the Springfield Fire Department, Rich and Bonnie moved to Florida, where they became part of the Inverness community and made their home for over 30 years. He was an avid golfer and fisherman who especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Norma Jean and Jim Logue; and his son-in-law, Dan O’Connor. Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 51 years, Bonnie Lee Connelly of Inverness; his sons, Michael “Mike” (Sherry) Connelly of Inverness and Martin “Marty” Connelly of Springfield, IL; his daughters: Ellen (Ron) Raab of Inverness, Candice “Candy” O’Connor of Pleasant Planes, IL, and Toni (Rick) Billbe of Ardmore, Alabama; his brother, Edward “Ed” (Brenda) Connelly of Inverness; 12 grandchildren: Jennifer K. Cortes, Laura E. (Shannon), Blake M. (Annamarie), Austin T., Dalton C. Connelly, Terry J. “TJ” (Aom), Stephanie N. (Justin) Clark, Ashley M. (Aaron) McGlauchien, Brittney N. O’Connor, David C. (Ariell) Peel, Travis A. (Tina), and Timothy W. (Leah) Billbe; and 16 great grandchildren: Gavin H. Cortes, Olivia L. Cortes, Lucia E. “Lucy” Martinez, Trinity J., Channing J., Nolan M., Finnick R. Connelly, Izaiah C. Chappell, Axton K. McGlauchen, and Rylie H. Dorsey, Jericho J., Lora L., William A., Aiden S., Oakley B., And Lainey K. Billbe.
A Celebration of Life for Rich will be held in conjunction with one for Bonnie on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11:30 AM in Florida National Cemetery. Friends and family can gather at the funeral home between 10 and 10:15 AM, and will leave in procession at 10:40. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Cremation Care, Inverness.
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