Christopher Connelly of Massapequa, NY unexpectedly left this world much too soon on November 13, 2023. He was born to Donald and Dorothy Connelly on December 27, 1968 in Queens, NY. He was one of 4 children and spent his childhood in Seaford, NY, graduating from Seaford High School where he was quarterback of theContinue Reading
Christopher Connelly of Massapequa, NY unexpectedly left this world much too soon on November 13, 2023. He was born to Donald and Dorothy Connelly on December 27, 1968 in Queens, NY. He was one of 4 children and spent his childhood in Seaford, NY, graduating from Seaford High School where he was quarterback of the football team.
In Seaford, he made so many lifelong friends he has continued to stay in daily contact with. He had loyalty, and an incredible dedication to his family.
Chris went to aviation school in Florida and then became a pilot for United Airlines in 1997. He was such a devoted and proud dad, who needed to be involved, visible and led by example. Over the years, he cheered his children on from the stands, cultivated his children’s love for fishing and traveling, and imparted the importance of supporting your teams (Islanders, Jets, Notre Dame and Yankees) no matter their ups and downs.
Chris is survived by his parents, Donald and Dorothy. He is survived by his children Kirsten and Tom of Massapequa, NY; his sister Peggy and brother in law Peter of Seaford, NY; his TWIN brother Tim and sister in law Donna of Massapequa Park, NY, and his sister Linda and brother in law Dan; his nephews James and Ryan; his niece Kathryn and countless adoring family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chris’s name to St. Jude’s.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Christopher Connelly, please visit our Tribute Store.
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2 trees were planted in memory of Christopher Connelly 
Captain John Rusnak
left a message on December 10, 2023:
My deepest sympathy to his family. It was always a pleasure flying with Chris.
Brian Schott
left a message on December 7, 2023:
Just learning of this tragic loss. What an amazing guy. Always greeting with a smile and positive attitude. I had the opportunity to fly with Chris at United and know that anyone who knew him had nothing but great things to say about this man. What a pleasure to fly/work with him on several layovers.
You will be missed my friend. With deepest condolences to his family/children.
Bob Nealon
left a message on November 22, 2023:
I can only echo what everyone has said, a great friend with a great sense of humor that you always looked forward to seeing on your schedule. We will miss you Chris.
Karen Perrone
left a message on November 18, 2023:
To my dear cousin Chris, …..I had such a great time catching up with you on the phone just three weeks ago!….I’m so grateful we were able to do that. …. My heart is broken…..when you and your twin brother Tim were born you both were an amazing gift to our family….. my mom and dad were thrilled to be your godparents and I know how much you loved them. ……I know they are there in heaven greeting you along with all the other family we have loved and lost.… You were always so fun weddings and parties and holidays. I will never forget you…… and thank you for being an inspiration to my son Keith, who followed your footsteps it became a pilot as well…… I will always be proud of the man you were for your parents and your children and your siblings, and all of us cousins…. May your soul rest in peace. Love you forever…..
Captain Greg Dawson
left a message on November 18, 2023:
Checking my schedule and seeing Chris’s name always brought a smile to my face. It was always such a pleasure to fly with him and to enjoy the layovers together. He was always a pro and a great friend. He will be missed.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Anonymous
left a message on November 18, 2023:
We will miss you Chris.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Christopher Connelly . Plant a Tree
Denise Desantis
left a message on November 17, 2023:
You have gained your forever wings. Your smile and spirit will be always be in our hearts. Sending Love and prayers to your family.
Keith Ross
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Chris, I will always remember you for being a mentor to me. I remember ever since I was a young kid, I wanted to become a pilot and you inspired me. You were such a humble person. You took me on my first flight. I still have the logbook you bought for me and your entree is the first one in the book. All the years of consulting with you about the ups and downs of chasing my dream kept me motivated and I credit you with being a large part of it. I always looked forward to seeing you Chris, way back from those years at my grandfathers Christmas parties to family gatherings along the way. I am devastated that you are gone. I will miss you forever.
Love, Keith
Michelle Kokonis(Abouzeide)
left a message on November 17, 2023:
My sincere condolences to the Conolly family. I went to high school with Chris and Timmy. Chris always had a smile on his face and laughed at my silly jokes. Chris , rest in peace , may you fly high… you will be missed….
Judy, Jon, Jason and Nancy Mendelsohn
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Sweet Chris, may you continue to soar above us. You and Tim were basically the same age as my kids. When grandma was still around,
Aunt Helen and Uncle Hank, Aunt Vicki and Uncle Joe and your parents tried to keep the Vience,Gaby and Connelly clans close and connected. Like the old Hank and Gaby gas station days. Music, sports, pierogies and laughter filled our days. Then we all grew up and grew apart. But the memories remain and will bring us all together again as we mourn your absence. Rest peacefully Chris.
Vicki Gaby Bolton
left a message on November 17, 2023:
To our dear sweet cousin, Chris, and his wonderful family….there just are no words to express our sorrow.
My first memories of Chris were when he was sharing space with Tim in Mama’s GIANT belly! Christmas 1968…Karen and I were just reminiscing about seeing our Beautiful Aunt Dottie sitting in a chair, filling the entire space, and ready to POP at any moment! We were afraid to touch her! We were fascinated with the whole idea of 2 babies coming! The great Blizzard of 1969 during your christening brings back memories of how we, as 3 families, stuck together and weathered the storms. Nothing could keep us away! ❤️❤️
You grew to be an amazing man, son, dad, brother, cousin, friend etc.….and you fulfilled your dream of flying! How very proud we were to be part of your family and life.
Always kind, considerate, thoughtful, and yet I still see the sweet smiling face that I remember so many years ago. I can only hope and pray that you will continue to smile down upon all of us, until we meet again.
You will leave a huge hole in our ❤️’s, but you will never be forgotten. Gone way too soon. May you continue to soar. We love you and your whole family. Thanks for sharing your life with us.❤️ It’s been a pleasure and an honor.?
Captain Michael Boccher
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Our deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Chris. I had the pleasure of first knowing Chris when we both flew for the regionals back in the 80's before coming to United. Chris was always there to crack a smile and have a good laugh as we both commiserated over a beer of our "roller coaster" airline career path. He was always was one you could count on to help out in times of need, and still maintained that same youthful energy and passion from when we first met. I remember one of our last phone conversations when I was driving and hit a deer. Chris asked "if I was alright"? That's how Chris was, always expressed concern for the wellbeing of others. He was more than just a friend and a successful accomplished pilot. He was a son, a sibling, a husband and most of all a very proud parent. He will always be missed. With our deepest sympathies and condolences. Michael & Yvonne Boccher.
Peter Gaby
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Ruby and I enjoyed all the times we met up in Denver when you were at the United Training simulators. We will miss you. You were a wonderful cousin to me and I was very proud of your accomplishments. Farewell Captain Christopher.
Adrian Wiffen
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Chris has earned his golden wings & will forever soar with Angels..a truly wonderful gentleman & coworker who will not be forgotten for his laughter, smile & kindness. Rest Well.
JD Williams
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Great man! Great Pilot! Whether it was beers in Barcelona or a heartfelt conversation in ops, I enjoyed your friendship. You will be missed. RIP Chris
Heather Adams
left a message on November 16, 2023:
With my deepest and heartfelt condolences. I will miss your kind heart and smile. You will truly be missed. Rest in Peace my friend.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Christopher Connelly . Plant a Tree
John Pipia
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Many great memories we have built throughout the years Chris. Great times that we’ve had on the field and off with the boys playing ball. You will be truly missed Chris.
Paul & Virginia Lochner
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Our deepest condolences on Chris's tragic passing. May God grant his family peace.
Bo McGowan
left a message on November 16, 2023:
My deepest sympathies to the entire Connelly Family.
As a fellow United Airlines First Officer with Chris, I had the privilege of getting to know him while in Operations and on several Layovers. He always greeted me with a warm smile, a firm handshake, and a genuine care and concern.
Chris was Fun! Particularly, I remember sitting in the Victory Services Club in London and enjoying the laughter from the flying stories of our trips across the Atlantic. He always had a kind word for everyone and a calm, welcoming demeanor. A pure pleasure to be around.
He was also the pinnacle Pilot -- making everyone around him better with his wonderful ability to communicate that we were all a part of something special. For that, I am eternally grateful for having the honor of knowing Chris.
My deepest sympathies to the Family!
Respectfully,
Bo McGowan
United Airlines First Officer
Martha Gonzalez
left a message on November 15, 2023:
My deepest and most profound sympathies to all friends and family.
I’m a Purser at United Airlines and flew with Chris many times and he was one of the nicest first officers I have ever flown with, he will be dearly missed.
The skies won’t be the same without him. Fly with the Angels Chris ??✈️
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Captain Michael Bonetti
left a message on November 15, 2023:
My deepest condolences, I have known Christopher for a long time and have enjoyed his company immensely, great pilot, great person overall, I will miss him.
Captain Michael Bonetti
The Specht Family
left a message on November 15, 2023:
With deepest sympathy to all family and friends. God Bless his two children.
Silja Kaude Kelly
left a message on November 15, 2023:
Chris, fly on. Your wings a larger now. Thank you for always getting us wherever, safely. Thank you for the fun and laughs. Cheers!
Lisa von Frank
left a message on November 15, 2023:
With deepest sympathy to Chris's family and friends. He will be missed by so many, but I believe he is still flying in heaven with God now. God Bless you all.
Massapequa Funeral Home
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Captain John Rusnak
left a message on December 10, 2023:
My deepest sympathy to his family. It was always a pleasure flying with Chris.
Brian Schott
left a message on December 7, 2023:
Just learning of this tragic loss. What an amazing guy. Always greeting with a smile and positive attitude. I had the opportunity to fly with Chris at United and know that anyone who knew him had nothing but great things to say about this man. What a pleasure to fly/work with him on several layovers.
You will be missed my friend. With deepest condolences to his family/children.
Bob Nealon
left a message on November 22, 2023:
I can only echo what everyone has said, a great friend with a great sense of humor that you always looked forward to seeing on your schedule. We will miss you Chris.
Karen Perrone
left a message on November 18, 2023:
To my dear cousin Chris, …..I had such a great time catching up with you on the phone just three weeks ago!….I’m so grateful we were able to do that. …. My heart is broken…..when you and your twin brother Tim were born you both were an amazing gift to our family….. my mom and dad were thrilled to be your godparents and I know how much you loved them. ……I know they are there in heaven greeting you along with all the other family we have loved and lost.… You were always so fun weddings and parties and holidays. I will never forget you…… and thank you for being an inspiration to my son Keith, who followed your footsteps it became a pilot as well…… I will always be proud of the man you were for your parents and your children and your siblings, and all of us cousins…. May your soul rest in peace. Love you forever…..
Captain Greg Dawson
left a message on November 18, 2023:
Checking my schedule and seeing Chris’s name always brought a smile to my face. It was always such a pleasure to fly with him and to enjoy the layovers together. He was always a pro and a great friend. He will be missed.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Anonymous
left a message on November 18, 2023:
We will miss you Chris.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Christopher Connelly . Plant a Tree
Denise Desantis
left a message on November 17, 2023:
You have gained your forever wings. Your smile and spirit will be always be in our hearts. Sending Love and prayers to your family.
Keith Ross
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Chris, I will always remember you for being a mentor to me. I remember ever since I was a young kid, I wanted to become a pilot and you inspired me. You were such a humble person. You took me on my first flight. I still have the logbook you bought for me and your entree is the first one in the book. All the years of consulting with you about the ups and downs of chasing my dream kept me motivated and I credit you with being a large part of it. I always looked forward to seeing you Chris, way back from those years at my grandfathers Christmas parties to family gatherings along the way. I am devastated that you are gone. I will miss you forever.
Love, Keith
Michelle Kokonis(Abouzeide)
left a message on November 17, 2023:
My sincere condolences to the Conolly family. I went to high school with Chris and Timmy. Chris always had a smile on his face and laughed at my silly jokes. Chris , rest in peace , may you fly high… you will be missed….
Judy, Jon, Jason and Nancy Mendelsohn
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Sweet Chris, may you continue to soar above us. You and Tim were basically the same age as my kids. When grandma was still around,
Aunt Helen and Uncle Hank, Aunt Vicki and Uncle Joe and your parents tried to keep the Vience,Gaby and Connelly clans close and connected. Like the old Hank and Gaby gas station days. Music, sports, pierogies and laughter filled our days. Then we all grew up and grew apart. But the memories remain and will bring us all together again as we mourn your absence. Rest peacefully Chris.
Vicki Gaby Bolton
left a message on November 17, 2023:
To our dear sweet cousin, Chris, and his wonderful family….there just are no words to express our sorrow.
My first memories of Chris were when he was sharing space with Tim in Mama’s GIANT belly! Christmas 1968…Karen and I were just reminiscing about seeing our Beautiful Aunt Dottie sitting in a chair, filling the entire space, and ready to POP at any moment! We were afraid to touch her! We were fascinated with the whole idea of 2 babies coming! The great Blizzard of 1969 during your christening brings back memories of how we, as 3 families, stuck together and weathered the storms. Nothing could keep us away! ❤️❤️
You grew to be an amazing man, son, dad, brother, cousin, friend etc.….and you fulfilled your dream of flying! How very proud we were to be part of your family and life.
Always kind, considerate, thoughtful, and yet I still see the sweet smiling face that I remember so many years ago. I can only hope and pray that you will continue to smile down upon all of us, until we meet again.
You will leave a huge hole in our ❤️’s, but you will never be forgotten. Gone way too soon. May you continue to soar. We love you and your whole family. Thanks for sharing your life with us.❤️ It’s been a pleasure and an honor.?
Captain Michael Boccher
left a message on November 17, 2023:
Our deepest and sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Chris. I had the pleasure of first knowing Chris when we both flew for the regionals back in the 80's before coming to United. Chris was always there to crack a smile and have a good laugh as we both commiserated over a beer of our "roller coaster" airline career path. He was always was one you could count on to help out in times of need, and still maintained that same youthful energy and passion from when we first met. I remember one of our last phone conversations when I was driving and hit a deer. Chris asked "if I was alright"? That's how Chris was, always expressed concern for the wellbeing of others. He was more than just a friend and a successful accomplished pilot. He was a son, a sibling, a husband and most of all a very proud parent. He will always be missed. With our deepest sympathies and condolences. Michael & Yvonne Boccher.
Peter Gaby
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Ruby and I enjoyed all the times we met up in Denver when you were at the United Training simulators. We will miss you. You were a wonderful cousin to me and I was very proud of your accomplishments. Farewell Captain Christopher.
Adrian Wiffen
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Chris has earned his golden wings & will forever soar with Angels..a truly wonderful gentleman & coworker who will not be forgotten for his laughter, smile & kindness. Rest Well.
JD Williams
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Great man! Great Pilot! Whether it was beers in Barcelona or a heartfelt conversation in ops, I enjoyed your friendship. You will be missed. RIP Chris
Heather Adams
left a message on November 16, 2023:
With my deepest and heartfelt condolences. I will miss your kind heart and smile. You will truly be missed. Rest in Peace my friend.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Christopher Connelly . Plant a Tree
John Pipia
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Many great memories we have built throughout the years Chris. Great times that we’ve had on the field and off with the boys playing ball. You will be truly missed Chris.
Paul & Virginia Lochner
left a message on November 16, 2023:
Our deepest condolences on Chris's tragic passing. May God grant his family peace.
Bo McGowan
left a message on November 16, 2023:
My deepest sympathies to the entire Connelly Family.
As a fellow United Airlines First Officer with Chris, I had the privilege of getting to know him while in Operations and on several Layovers. He always greeted me with a warm smile, a firm handshake, and a genuine care and concern.
Chris was Fun! Particularly, I remember sitting in the Victory Services Club in London and enjoying the laughter from the flying stories of our trips across the Atlantic. He always had a kind word for everyone and a calm, welcoming demeanor. A pure pleasure to be around.
He was also the pinnacle Pilot -- making everyone around him better with his wonderful ability to communicate that we were all a part of something special. For that, I am eternally grateful for having the honor of knowing Chris.
My deepest sympathies to the Family!
Respectfully,
Bo McGowan
United Airlines First Officer
Martha Gonzalez
left a message on November 15, 2023:
My deepest and most profound sympathies to all friends and family.
I’m a Purser at United Airlines and flew with Chris many times and he was one of the nicest first officers I have ever flown with, he will be dearly missed.
The skies won’t be the same without him. Fly with the Angels Chris ??✈️
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Captain Michael Bonetti
left a message on November 15, 2023:
My deepest condolences, I have known Christopher for a long time and have enjoyed his company immensely, great pilot, great person overall, I will miss him.
Captain Michael Bonetti
The Specht Family
left a message on November 15, 2023:
With deepest sympathy to all family and friends. God Bless his two children.
Silja Kaude Kelly
left a message on November 15, 2023:
Chris, fly on. Your wings a larger now. Thank you for always getting us wherever, safely. Thank you for the fun and laughs. Cheers!
Lisa von Frank
left a message on November 15, 2023:
With deepest sympathy to Chris's family and friends. He will be missed by so many, but I believe he is still flying in heaven with God now. God Bless you all.
Massapequa Funeral Home
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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