Michael J Connolly
April 5, 1946 ~ November 2, 2018
Scarborough - Michael J. Connolly, 72, passed away on Friday, November 2, 2018 surrounded by his family at the Maine Veterans' Home in Scarborough.
Mike, known as Mojo, was born on April 5, 1946, in Portland to the late Michael and Nora (Dillon) Connolly. Mike was raised in South Portland, attending Holy Cross School and South Portland High School. At the age of 11, Mike lost his mom to polycystic kidney disease, which impacted him deeply. As the oldest child, Mike assumed the responsibility for looking after his two younger brothers. The sense of duty and loyalty he gained from that experience would shape the man he became.
Upon graduation in 1964, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as an aerial photographer throughout Europe. After the military, Mike returned home to South Portland and met a young woman from Quebec named Lucille Fortin. Though he spoke no French and she spoke no English, Mike knew from the moment he saw her that he was going to marry her. They quickly overcame the language barrier and were married on July 25, 1970 in St. George de Beauce, Quebec. Mike and Lucille made their home in South Portland where they raised their three children - John, Melissa and Scott.
Mike eventually settled into a career with Rigby Railroad where he worked as a conductor and yardmaster until his retirement in 2006. It was at the railroad that Mojo gained many lifetime friendships as well as his nickname. He told stories of hooking up cars on cold, icy nights far from home and his experiences finding alternate work when his union would occasionally strike. He was a railroad man through and through.
In his prime, Mojo could hoist two cinder blocks with each of his first baseman's mitt sized hands. He had Popeye forearms and was rarely defeated at arm wrestling. Mike could throw a football fifty yards. He was keenly competitive and loved playing sports. Mike was a member of Willowdale Golf Course where he scored a hole in one on three of the four par 3's. Lifelong friends were also made at Willowdale, where he played a regular morning group three days a week. He spoke fondly of sharing beers with his golf buddies in the clubhouse after their rounds. He never indulged in more than three beers, though. At least that's what he told Lucille! He was an avid recreational basketball player, often schooling players half his age well into his fifties on the local courts. He was accomplished at billiards, darts and ping pong.
In addition to his physical prowess, Mike also possessed a clever, analytical intellect. He enjoyed word games, brain teasers and puzzles from the newspaper. Mike could solve the most difficult sudokus. He loved fantasy sports. He dominated his son in law's highly competitive fantasy baseball league for the past ten years, with his Mojo Nine team bringing home the coveted McCracken Cup this season despite all the medical challenges he faced as he neared the end. Mike was a diehard fan of the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins and was very pleased by the Red Sox 2018 World Series championship.
The size of Mike's heart and the quality of his character were truly impressive. He was a devout Catholic, attending St. John's / Holy Cross in South Portland. His deep faith helped him gracefully endure the challenges in his life. Mike was a devoted family man, the model father and husband. With his children he was patient and kind. He was very involved in their activities as young kids and was their most loyal supporter as adults. He was very proud of John, Melissa and Scott and would regale anyone who would listen with stories of his children's accomplishments. Later in life, he took the same great pride and interest in his grandchildren. As a husband he was gentle and caring. He loved Lucille with everything he had. Mike was Lucille's primary caregiver during her own final struggle with cancer, by her side until the very end. After 40 years of marriage, Mike lost his beloved Lucille in 2010, breaking his heart. Every day for the following 3 years, Mike would visit her grave until his own health issues would no longer allow it. As his health declined, he continued to visit her as often as he was able. Mike's dedication and love for his family set a wonderful example for his children and grandchildren.
Over the course of Mike's life, he endured a series of extreme health challenges, the most significant of which was his polycystic kidney disease, the same affliction that had claimed his mother. Mojo, at the age of 42, received his first
transplanted kidney. It was donated by his brother John. Two years ago Mike received a second kidney transplant, this one donated by his best friend who amazingly happened to be a match. In addition to his kidney disease and the years of dialysis that went with it, he also suffered a heart attack/quadruple bypass and skin cancer just in the past few years, as well as a litany of less serious issues too numerous to list here. Mike handled his medical problems with quiet dignity and without complaint. His will to live and internal fight were incredible. Despite the troubles he faced, he considered himself fortunate to be alive, surrounded by loving family and friends.
The last five years of his life, Mike lived with his daughter Melissa and her family. They considered themselves privileged to have him. He was beloved by the neighbors on Tamarack Lane. He shared a particularly special relationship with his grandson, Ryan. Mojo picked Ryan up from school almost every day, showing up half an hour early as he insisted on being first in the Holy Cross School "car line". He worked hard helping Ryan with his homework, especially with the weekly vocabulary words, studying the words together until Ryan knew them backwards and forwards.
Mike Connolly's determination and positive attitude in the face of overwhelming obstacles were an inspiration. Not only an inspiration to family and friends, he had a very real impact on all who crossed his path. From the army of medical professionals he encountered over the years, to the wait staff at IHOP where he breakfasted with many of his old friends twice a week, to the people who sat near his regular pew at Sunday mass, Mike was an example for us all. Soft spoken and thoughtful, he was a genuinely kind, respectful person who never spoke ill of anyone. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mike is predeceased by his step-mother, Mary Connolly.
He is survived by his children, John Connolly and wife Katrina of Windham, Melissa Vigue and husband Jeffrey of Scarborough, and Scott Connolly and wife Sara of Westbrook. He was the loving "Pop Pop" to grandchildren Meghan, Colby, Ryan, Claire and Alexis. He is also survived by his brothers, Patrick Joseph Connolly and wife Marie of Raymond and John Francis Connolly and wife Betsy of Wells.
Visiting Hours celebrating Michael's life will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 4-7PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 10:15AM followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Michael's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
Those desiring may make a memorial contribution to the Maine Veterans' Home or to Holy Cross Church.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Mojo was the greatest.working with Mike was a pleasure. Never complained about how much work he had just did it the best he could . When we worked the Mountain Div to St. Johnsbury Vt.We always had a 36 hr layover. We played Basketball at the St. J ohnsbury gym where he showed us all up with his expertise. Mojo will be missed emensly . I would be happy to be half the man he was. Love and will miss you. May God Bless you and Rest in Peace
– Jim Allen