Rev. John T. Connolly

Rev. John T. Connolly, 70, of Clifton, Pastor of Sacred Heart RC Church, Clifton passed away on  July 3, 2022.

Rev. Connolly was born on November 3, 1951 to John and Aniela (Marek) Connolly at Passaic, NJ. A native of Passaic, Father Connolly graduated from the former Neumann Prep, Wayne, and Seton Hall University, South Orange, with a degree in history. He completed his priesthood studies at the former Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, from which he received his Master of Divinity degree. Through his college and seminary years, he worked in the mailroom of the Chancery building of the Diocese of Paterson.

After serving his diaconate year at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Sparta, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1978 in St. John Cathedral, Paterson. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at his home parish, St. Joseph, Passaic, where he served until he was assigned to Our Lady of Consolation  Parish in Wayne in 1989 as parochial vicar. In 1991, he began serving part-time as an advocate in the Diocesan Tribunal. In 1993, he was named as pastor of St. Stephen Parish, Paterson. He was appointed to a five-year term on the Clergy Personnel Board in 2006. In 2007, he was named as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Clifton. From 2009 to 2015, he served as Dean of the Clifton Deanery. In 2010, he was named Administrator of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Clifton and then in 2016 was named pastor, in addition to being pastor of Sacred Heart, until an administrator for Ss. Cyril and Methodius was named in 2021. Father. John was kind, spiritual and generous along with being graced with an unparalleled wit..

Father John is survived by his sister, Elaine Weidle of Moores, NY; his sister-in-law, Debra Connolly of Woodland Park, NJ; two nieces, Gayle Weidle and Sharon Reddinger; three nephews, Martin Dzierzawic, Keith Weidle, Joseph A. Connolly; and many cousins, friends and brother priests.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Aniela (nee Marek) Connolly; his sister, Kathleen Dzierzawic, his brother, James J. Connolly and nephew, James Anthony Connolly.

Reception of the Body will occur at 3:00 pm Friday, July 8, 2022 followed by visitation from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Sacred Heart RC Church, Clifton, New Jersey. Vespers will take place at 7:00 pm.
Funeral Liturgy will be 10:00 am Saturday, July 9, 2022, 10:00 am at the Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Clifton, New Jersey, celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli, STD, SSL, DD, officiating. Burial will take place in the Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to either Sacred Heart RC Church,145 Randolph Avenue, Clifton, New Jersey 07011 or St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly,140 Shepherd Lane, Totowa, New Jersey 07512. Online condolences may be left at www.bizubfh.com.

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