Joseph “Joe” Patrick Connolly, 51, who was originally from Newbridge in Co Kildare, passed away on June 1, leaving his family and friends in the US and Ireland devastated
16:46, 13 Jun 2026Updated 16:52, 13 Jun 2026
Joe served as the Flag Bearer for the Irish Dancing & Music Assoc. Of NY at the 2023 New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to an Irish father-of-two who passed away suddenly in New York earlier this month.
Joseph “Joe” Patrick Connolly, 51, originally from Newbridge in Co Kildare, died on June 1, leaving his loved ones both in the US and Ireland utterly heartbroken.
Joe relocated to New York in 2000, quickly finding a warm and welcoming home within the Sunnyside Gardens community in the borough of Queens.
The Kildare man swiftly became an integral part of the neighbourhood’s fabric, as evidenced by his distinguished honour of serving as Flag Bearer for the Irish Dancing and Music Assoc. Of NY at the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2023.
Joe is survived by his wife, Fallon, and his two children, son Cillian (19) and daughter Cai (16). He is also survived by his devoted parents in Newbridge, Joe Sr. and Mary; his sister, Aileen; his nephew, Matthew; his niece, Emer; and a broad, loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, reports the Irish Mirror.
Fondly known by many as “Activity Joe,” the TU Dublin graduate played for Sarsfields GAA club and Liffey Celtic FC in his home county of Kildare during his younger years.
A Master Electrician by trade, Joe served as a dedicated president and CEO of Solas Electrical.
Joseph “Joe” Patrick Connolly
In a deeply touching tribute, Joe’s family described him as “a man of immense selflessness and a gentle soul” who left “a lasting impression on all whose paths he crossed throughout his widely traveled, vibrant life”. “He was a pillar of the community and will be deeply missed by his wide circle of friends and neighbors,” they said in a statement.
“Joe made time for everyone and everything, leaving a lasting impression on all whose paths he crossed throughout his widely traveled, vibrant life.
“Joe was a man of immense selflessness and a gentle soul (except, perhaps, when he was playing soccer). He lived his life to the fullest, surrounding himself with people and laughter.
“Joe understood that life isn’t lived on the sidelines. He was always in the center of the action, bringing people together. We will remember him not just for the length of his life, but for the incredible bonds he shared with all of us.”
Joe’s close friends have rallied together to support his family through this heartbreaking period, requesting that mourners consider contributing to his two children’s educational future in place of flowers.
A GoFundMe page, established to safeguard the educational prospects of Cillian and Cai in the coming years, has already surpassed $40,000 (€34,500) in donations at the time of writing.
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