Michael Connelly
Rochester – A beloved family, friends, and the Rochester activist community has suffered a great loss in the passing of Mike Connelly. View Obituary here.
Mike was born in Chicago IL and grew up in Alexandria VA. He received a BS in Psychology from Penn State University and an MS in Education from SUNY Geneseo. He was certified to teach K through 8th grades. He became politically active during the Vietnam War, and began his relentless struggle against war and militarism and his deep devotion to peacemaking. Vigils, protests, marches, occupations – the tall figure of Mike was always there, speaking out with passion and standing up boldly for justice. He truly gave of himself to make the world a better place.
Friends said they didn’t know of anyone who lived his life with more integrity or more in keeping with his values. He wrote frequent letters to the editor and was willing to take public positions on behalf of justice and peace and to risk much for what he believed.
Mike was a member of Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace, Band of Rebels, Take Back the Land, Metro Justice, Blooming Lilac Sangha, Rochester Chess Club, Ciudad Hermana, Rochester Committee on Latin America, Rochester Area Vegan Society, Peace Action NY State, and Amnesty International.
Mike died on May 19 at age 79. He is grieved by his loving family: Johanna (spouse of 53 years); Children Brian (Karla); Christopher (Anne); Peter (Ray); Sarah (Laine); Benjamin; Grandchildren Tulah, Joshua, Erin and Elliott. His voice of wisdom will be sorely missed.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held later in the summer and people will be notified.
The greatest tribute we can offer Mike’s memory is to remain steadfast in the pursuit of social justice and peace.
Published in Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on June 9, 2019