Charles E. Connelly, Iii

Charles Connelly Ravenna-There are a lot of words to describe Charles (Charlie to most) Connelly; irascible, irreverent, sometimes even irritating, but at the top of the list would have to be irreplaceable friend.  A banterer extraordinaire, Charlie loved life, the outdoors, the mountains of Pennsylvania (where he had a second home) and people.  (Not necessarily in that order.) He was always among the first to offer help in whatever way was needed.  Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on September 10, 1931, he was a long-time Ravenna resident and was well-embedded in the local community, retiring after a long career at Flintkote, then self-employed.  He was an avid golfer, a regular at Bar 10 in its heyday and a member of Immaculate Conception Church where he served as a long-time usher.  He volunteered at Robinson Memorial Hospital(now UH Portage Medical Center) for 25 years.  A quick smile, a twinkling eye and always a good story ready-for-the-telling made him an entertaining character.  He cherished his friends and loved women, who despite his flirtation ways, always knew that Rita , his wife of 39 years, truly held his heart.  From his basement workshop he created a variety of primitive birdhouses, picture frames and unique pieces from recycled (translate junk) wood.  In a 1994 Record -Courier "along the Way" column noting Charlie's retirement from Flintkote, David Dix wrote about Charlie's work, his golf game, his hunting and fishing and succinctly summed up his big personality by saying, "Passing time with Charlie is an upper."  An interesting side note was that Charlie's high school football coach was the legendary Vince Lombardi (before he was legendary).  Charlie was a decorated US Army Korean War Veteran.  He died at home on Wednesday July 8, 2020 after a long illness.  In addition to Rita, he leaves his daughter Lisa (Norm) Wise of Houston, TX; son Charles of Ravenna, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  At Charlie's request, cremation has taken place and memorial Mass of Christina Burial will be 11:00 Am on Friday July 24, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna where calling  hours will e from 10:00 am until time of services.  Condolences and memories of Charlie may be shared with his family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.  HIS STORIES LIVE ON.