Michael Kelly Connelly

Our beloved Irishman, Michael Kelly Connelly, 66, passed away peacefully (went down swinging) on June 22, 2024. He never backed down during his unfair, 8 year, battle with Ocular Melanoma. 

Born on November 29, 1957, in St Paul, MN to Roy and Marjorie (McCormick) Connelly, Michael Kelly was a devoted family man and proud member of the Laborers Union Local 563. He had a love of good food, good friends, good stories, his Irish heritage, the open road, and the wonder and beauty of nature. 

Mike’s unwavering dedication to his career in construction, particularly as a member of Laborers Local 563 and the Laborers International Union of North America, spanned four decades. His many roles included all areas of laboring on arenas and large building projects, training center safety and skill instructing, and union organizing and marketing. He ultimately served as President of Local 563 prior to his retirement in 2015. Mike’s passionate contribution to solidarity, safety, and fair labor practices is profound and enduring.

Mike’s vibrant spirit, enduring legacy of hard work, advocacy for the rights of the worker and all peoples, quick wit, generosity, great hair, excellent storytelling, delicious meals, good nature, amazing smile, and loving care for his family, beautiful gardens, birds and animals, and shiny black Harley will be forever cherished and missed by all those fortunate to share this life with him. 

Michael Kelly is survived by his wife, Carla Coyle Connelly; children Ryan (Hollis) Connelly, Tim Connelly, Steven (Madi) Olson, Jacqueline Olson; granddaughter McKenzie Klein; grandson Donovan Connelly; siblings Shannon Connelly, Geri (Tom) Connelly Scanlon; many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Shelia Zurn, Peggy Connelly, and Darrell Connelly.

To honor Mike’s remarkable life, a Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 19, 2024, at Manitou Grill, 2171 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN, 5-9 pm. Celebration and sharing to begin at 6pm, with reception to follow. Ride-sharing is encouraged and memorials are preferred.

Our heartfelt thanks to the countless dedicated medical professionals, and loving family and friends, who helped and cheered Mike during his journey.

May Michael Kelly live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved him☘️

ocularmelanoma.org

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