John W. Connolly
February 21, 1935 – September 23, 2021
Resident of Pleasanton
On Thursday, September 23, 2021, loving husband and father, John W. Connolly, at the age of 86, went to his heavenly home due to complications from Covid. His wife Linda and all four children he was so proud of were right by his side. His life was strong and joyful.
John had died of his parents, Walter and Nyla, and his only sibling, brother Don. He leaves behind his loving wife Linda, his four children Janie (Randy), Mike, Steve (Liz) and Tom (Samantha) from his previous marriage to Beverly Ann Bagley. As well as his grandchildren Danielle, Christopher, Lindsay, Matthew, Cody, Chloe, Jack, Ca $ h and Luke and his great-grandchildren Estelle and Revel.
John was born on February 21, 1935 in Oakland, California. He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory, a serious and focused, all-male Jesuit preparatory school that had a major impact on his entire life. And maybe that’s where he learned to be the villain he was! He then went to San Jose State and Santa Clara University. He got into the family furniture business at the age of 21 and stayed with it all his life, active in the Kiwanis and Rotary. He served in the California National Guard as a Staff Sergeant in the Military Police for 8 years.
John was enthusiastic about all aspects of life. In business, he ran Connolly’s Furniture, founded Aqua-Guard International, Soil Shield International and a furniture chain called Leather for Less. He was the greatest cheerleader for his four children, leading and helping them in all aspects of life. He was the best man at all of his three sons’ weddings. He used to move fast and be on the move all the time, at the speed of light. But he had a secret, he invented the afternoon power nap. Ms. Linda says she learned 40 years ago that she can prepare for an event in 15 minutes if she has to.
During their 40 years together, John and Linda were devoted to each other until his last breath. They lived in the Castlewood neighborhood of Pleasanton. John was a long-time member of the Castlewood Country Club, perhaps the longest-serving member. He was a member of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Posse and various other horse clubs that participated in many equestrian events across Northern California, including the Grand National at Cow Palace. He often rode in Bay Area parades and was honored to take part in the Rose Bowl Parade. The Bota Bagger and Sno * Flake ski clubs were a big part of his social life as well as the Dils, a group of friends who play golf, ski, travel and enjoy life together. His calendar was always full.
He was all of that and he was “that guy”!
That guy who could create a successful business plan on a cocktail napkin!
This guy who effortlessly cultivated several very bonded lifelong friendships over many decades!
This guy who was a larger than life presence every time he walked into a room with that twinkle in his eyes and that big warm smile!
That guy who was known for his parties! House parties, shop parties, ballroom parties, club parties, backyard parties, boat parties, beach parties. He would insist that you always need “lots of ice cream and good melodies” to have a great party. He always kept everyone entertained by passionately sharing his never-ending supply of stories that were sure to make you laugh!
This guy who never wanted to miss a social invitation and always exclaimed enthusiastically “I’m here!” after receiving an invitation!
This guy who really loved his Raider hatchbacks, hand in hand with his love and enjoyment of food and wine and the pomp of rolling into the Coliseum with flying flags and big magnetic stickers on the body of his Raider mobile!
That guy who was always ready to enjoy a good old fashioned strawberry milkshake from Bob’s Burgers!
This guy, so manly, but he loved flowers, they gave and received them. And especially in the garden, where he could pretty much name them all and take care of them!
That guy who loved the outdoors and loved the outdoors but was just as comfortable in a tuxedo!
This guy who would never hold back a compliment and many of his girlfriends with “Hello Pretty Lady!” that happened to be his opening line when he first met Linda!
This guy who’s been in love with the Speedo swimsuit all his life! And during the beach vacation, there was no hesitation in getting a temporary tattoo for the duration of the trip!
That guy who most enjoyed and valued the majesty and beauty of a scenic drive, be it in the mountains, through a forest, along the coast or by a lake, or through a local or national park!
This guy who brought his Palomino Quarter Horse to the Sunday Church for a special church celebration and rode him down the aisle!
This guy who loved and admired horses and dogs, his own or that of others. He loved his current little pup, the chocolate pomeranian, Bubba Bear. Definitely didn’t want to go without him!
John was an avid traveler as he and Linda visited over 45 countries and here in the United States enjoyed road trips through several states while maintaining homes in Castlewood, Lake Tahoe, and Discovery Bay. He enjoyed swimming, skiing, golf, boating, all kinds of fishing, duck and pheasant hunting, great food, picnics, entertainment, spending time with family and friends, Sunday morning church, the Warriors, Raiders, the A’s (also the 49’ers and the Giants) and Elvis. He enjoyed his recognizable black Hummer vehicle and unique golf cart, as did his relatively new red mobility scooter, which allowed him to continue to take long “walks” around Tahoe despite some mobility issues.
John’s greatest gift was his love for people. He had the unique ability to be in touch with anyone anytime, anywhere. He was a great encourager to everyone. Although he had slowed down in recent years, his mind and spirit and drive remained steadfast. He was even a matchmaker once or twice. The butcher, the baker, the candlestick, almost everyone in town knew Mr. John.
John was fun, great fun, and his life was well lived. He led from the heart and always found opportunities to make someone smile. Whether you knew him as John, Dear, Dad, Gramps, Jace, Jaceman, Mr. John, Big John, he was a man who loved life, God, family, friends, and the country. John’s Christian faith was an integral part of his life. He wore the same cross and chain every day for the past 35 years to remind him to keep Jesus in his heart.
Big in stature, big in heart, larger than life, unique, everyone he has touched will always carry a bit of him with them.
The power of John Connolly may have left this earth, but his immeasurable spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
We will miss this great man very much.
Services are pending. Instead of flowers, the family encourages everyone to live kind, loving, and loving lives and to remember when given the chance to keep paying it. And that donations are passed on to those in need.
Online version available at www.BergePappasSmith.com
February 21, 1935 – September 23, 2021
Resident of Pleasanton
On Thursday, September 23, 2021, loving husband and father, John W. Connolly, at the age of 86, went to his heavenly home due to complications from Covid. His wife Linda and all four children he was so proud of were right by his side. His life was strong and joyful.
John had died of his parents, Walter and Nyla, and his only sibling, brother Don. He leaves behind his loving wife Linda, his four children Janie (Randy), Mike, Steve (Liz) and Tom (Samantha) from his previous marriage to Beverly Ann Bagley. As well as his grandchildren Danielle, Christopher, Lindsay, Matthew, Cody, Chloe, Jack, Ca $ h and Luke and his great-grandchildren Estelle and Revel.
John was born on February 21, 1935 in Oakland, California. He attended Bellarmine College Preparatory, a serious and focused, all-male Jesuit preparatory school that had a major impact on his entire life. And maybe that’s where he learned to be the villain he was! He then went to San Jose State and Santa Clara University. He got into the family furniture business at the age of 21 and stayed with it all his life, active in the Kiwanis and Rotary. He served in the California National Guard as a Staff Sergeant in the Military Police for 8 years.
John was enthusiastic about all aspects of life. In business, he ran Connolly’s Furniture, founded Aqua-Guard International, Soil Shield International and a furniture chain called Leather for Less. He was the greatest cheerleader for his four children, leading and helping them in all aspects of life. He was the best man at all of his three sons’ weddings. He used to move fast and be on the move all the time, at the speed of light. But he had a secret, he invented the afternoon power nap. Ms. Linda says she learned 40 years ago that she can prepare for an event in 15 minutes if she has to.
During their 40 years together, John and Linda were devoted to each other until his last breath. They lived in the Castlewood neighborhood of Pleasanton. John was a long-time member of the Castlewood Country Club, perhaps the longest-serving member. He was a member of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Posse and various other horse clubs that participated in many equestrian events across Northern California, including the Grand National at Cow Palace. He often rode in Bay Area parades and was honored to take part in the Rose Bowl Parade. The Bota Bagger and Sno * Flake ski clubs were a big part of his social life as well as the Dils, a group of friends who play golf, ski, travel and enjoy life together. His calendar was always full.
He was all of that and he was “that guy”!
That guy who could create a successful business plan on a cocktail napkin!
This guy who effortlessly cultivated several very bonded lifelong friendships over many decades!
This guy who was a larger than life presence every time he walked into a room with that twinkle in his eyes and that big warm smile!
That guy who was known for his parties! House parties, shop parties, ballroom parties, club parties, backyard parties, boat parties, beach parties. He would insist that you always need “lots of ice cream and good melodies” to have a great party. He always kept everyone entertained by passionately sharing his never-ending supply of stories that were sure to make you laugh!
This guy who never wanted to miss a social invitation and always exclaimed enthusiastically “I’m here!” after receiving an invitation!
This guy who really loved his Raider hatchbacks, hand in hand with his love and enjoyment of food and wine and the pomp of rolling into the Coliseum with flying flags and big magnetic stickers on the body of his Raider mobile!
That guy who was always ready to enjoy a good old fashioned strawberry milkshake from Bob’s Burgers!
This guy, so manly, but he loved flowers, they gave and received them. And especially in the garden, where he could pretty much name them all and take care of them!
That guy who loved the outdoors and loved the outdoors but was just as comfortable in a tuxedo!
This guy who would never hold back a compliment and many of his girlfriends with “Hello Pretty Lady!” that happened to be his opening line when he first met Linda!
This guy who’s been in love with the Speedo swimsuit all his life! And during the beach vacation, there was no hesitation in getting a temporary tattoo for the duration of the trip!
That guy who most enjoyed and valued the majesty and beauty of a scenic drive, be it in the mountains, through a forest, along the coast or by a lake, or through a local or national park!
This guy who brought his Palomino Quarter Horse to the Sunday Church for a special church celebration and rode him down the aisle!
This guy who loved and admired horses and dogs, his own or that of others. He loved his current little pup, the chocolate pomeranian, Bubba Bear. Definitely didn’t want to go without him!
John was an avid traveler as he and Linda visited over 45 countries and here in the United States enjoyed road trips through several states while maintaining homes in Castlewood, Lake Tahoe, and Discovery Bay. He enjoyed swimming, skiing, golf, boating, all kinds of fishing, duck and pheasant hunting, great food, picnics, entertainment, spending time with family and friends, Sunday morning church, the Warriors, Raiders, the A’s (also the 49’ers and the Giants) and Elvis. He enjoyed his recognizable black Hummer vehicle and unique golf cart, as did his relatively new red mobility scooter, which allowed him to continue to take long “walks” around Tahoe despite some mobility issues.
John’s greatest gift was his love for people. He had the unique ability to be in touch with anyone anytime, anywhere. He was a great encourager to everyone. Although he had slowed down in recent years, his mind and spirit and drive remained steadfast. He was even a matchmaker once or twice. The butcher, the baker, the candlestick, almost everyone in town knew Mr. John.
John was fun, great fun, and his life was well lived. He led from the heart and always found opportunities to make someone smile. Whether you knew him as John, Dear, Dad, Gramps, Jace, Jaceman, Mr. John, Big John, he was a man who loved life, God, family, friends, and the country. John’s Christian faith was an integral part of his life. He wore the same cross and chain every day for the past 35 years to remind him to keep Jesus in his heart.
Big in stature, big in heart, larger than life, unique, everyone he has touched will always carry a bit of him with them.
The power of John Connolly may have left this earth, but his immeasurable spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
We will miss this great man very much.
Services are pending. Instead of flowers, the family encourages everyone to live kind, loving, and loving lives and to remember when given the chance to keep paying it. And that donations are passed on to those in need.
Online version available at www.BergePappasSmith.com
Check out the online memorial to John W. Connolly
Published by East Bay Times on October 3, 2021.
