Patrick Michael Connelly, 77, of West Collingswood Heights, NJ, passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends on December 11th, 2012 Pat, the great grandson of an Irish immigrant, was born in National Park NJ to Joseph R. Connelly Sr. and Margaret E. Williamson on December 6th, 1935. He was baptized and received his First Communion at St Matthew's Catholic Church, and attended National Park Elementary School for several years, before his family moved to Philadelphia during World War II, where he attended St Richard's Catholic School. His family moved back to National Park after the war, where he attended St Mary's Catholic School. He graduated Gloucester Catholic High School in 1953, where he played basketball, and at the age of 17, enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He was stationed in Miami FL with the 2nd Marine Division Aircraft Wing. In 1956, he met Mary Joan Gabriele at the Dancette in Oaklyn and they wed in October, as the first couple to be married at Holy Maternity Church in Audubon NJ. They were married for 55 years. Pat worked at the Texaco Eagle Point Refinery for 5 years, before working his way up to Sales Manager with Prudential Insurance Company, where he worked for 35 years. When he retired, he enjoyed spending time at his homes in Cape May NJ and at the Crow Creek Golf Club in Calabash, NC. Pat was a devout Catholic, an avid golfer, and enjoyed the beach, Fenway Park, and spending time with his 8 grandchildren and abounding friends. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and often asked if beer could make you smarter (it made Bud wiser). Pat was a hardworking, dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Mary, sons Kevin (Kimberly), and Bob (Alice), and daughter Tricia (Chuck McLister), as well as his brothers Joseph Jr. (Joyce), Edward, Daniel (Malgorzata), and sister Maureen. The viewing will begin Sunday evening from 6 to 8 PM and Monday from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM at St. Vincent Pallotti Church ( St. Joseph the Worker Parish Location) 901 Hopkins Rd. Haddon Township, N.J. Mass of Christian Burial will begin Monday 10 AM also at the Church. Interment will be private. In Patrick M. Connelly's memory, donations can be made to the Alumni Scholarship Fund at Gloucester Catholic High School, 333 Ridgeway Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030, in lieu of flowers. Guest book can be signed at www.milanofuneralhome.com Arrangements by, MAHAFFEY - MILANO FUNERAL HOME, Mt. Ephraim, N.J., 856-931-1628.