Hon. Thomas E. Connolly was born in Boston on November 7, 1942, Beloved son of the late Thomas F. And Catherine E. (Skehill) Connolly. Judge Connolly's dedication to service began early. He attended St. John's Seminary, graduating in 1964, before pursuing his legal education at Boston College Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1969.

Following law school, he began his legal career at the Boston firm of Schneider, Reilly, Zabin, Connolly & Costello, where he practiced from 1969 through 1985. He later became a partner in the firm of Connolly, Leavis & Rest, serving through 1990. During his years in private practice, he earned a reputation as a skilled trial attorney with extensive experience in personal injury, workplace injury, product liability, and wrongful death litigation.

Judge Connolly was also a scholar and educator within the legal profession. He authored and co-authored numerous articles and publications on negligence, workplace accidents, product liability, wrongful death law, and trial practice. He shared his expertise as a lecturer for the Massachusetts Bar Association, American Bar Association, Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, MCLE-NELI, and Northeastern University School of Law. Through his writings and teaching, he helped shape the professional development of generations of Massachusetts attorneys.

In 1990, Governor Michael S. Dukakis appointed Thomas to the Massachusetts Superior Court. Over the next twenty-two years, Judge Connolly presided over a wide range of civil and criminal matters, earning a reputation for thoughtful decision-making, meticulous preparation, and unwavering respect for the rule of law. Attorneys who appeared before him knew him as a jurist who demanded excellence, treated all parties with dignity, and remained committed to the fair and impartial administration of justice. He served until his retirement in September 2012 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.

Beyond the courtroom, Tom was deeply involved in the legal and civic communities. His commitment to community service extended to his longtime involvement with Holy Name Parish in West Roxbury, reflecting his lifelong devotion to faith, education, and civic responsibility.

Tom had a passion for travel and has traveled to over 50 countries both for work and pleasure. The only thing that gave him more pleasure than traveling was his beloved Red Sox. He was a season ticket holder for over 40 years and enjoyed many games with his brother Joe.

He is predeceased by his sisters Mary (Connolly) Coleman of Foxboro, MA, Margaret “Peggy” (Connolly) Warren of Corpus Christi, TX and his brother Joseph T. Connolly of Chelmsford, MA.

Thomas is survived by six nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held in the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury, on Monday, August 24, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St., West Roxbury, on Tuesday, August 25, at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Name Parish, 1689 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132