ECAC-SIDA News
Long-time Suffolk SID Lou Connelly Passes Away
Louis B. Connelly Jr., who served in dual roles as the Director of
Public Relations and Sports Information Director at Suffolk
University for over three decades, passed away on Tuesday (April
8th) following a long illness at the age of 77.
A resident of Melrose, Mass. for 45 years, Mr. Connelly was born
and raised in Somerville, Mass., graduating from Somerville High
School in 1948 before earning both his bachelor’s and
master’s degrees from Suffolk in communications and
education, respectively.
Mr. Connelly served in his dual roles at his alma mater beginning
in 1968 until his retirement in 2003. He previously worked as a
sports reporter for the Boston Herald-American for eight years
during the 1960’s and covered the 1967 Boston Red Sox during
their "Impossible Dream" season en route to the American League
championship.
A long-time fundraiser for the United Way at Suffolk for many
years, Mr. Connelly was a member of both the Boston and National
Publicity Clubs and the Boston Sports Writers Association.
"Lou Connelly was one of the most respected individuals in the
public relations profession in this region, but his gentle demeanor
and his caring for others are what he will always be remembered
for," Suffolk University Director of Athletics James E. Nelson says
of Mr. Connelly. "He had a genuine affection for the students of
Suffolk and for the mission of the University, and he will
certainly be missed by everyone he touched over the years."
Husband of the late Maureen (Devine), Mr. Connelly is survived by
five daughters, a sister, six grandchildren and many nieces and
nephews. A funeral Mass was celebrated for Mr. Connelly on Friday,
April 11th at St. Mary’s Church in Melrose, Mass.
