Thank You, John Connolly

By Canton Citizen

On September 13, 2012, the Canton Citizen published its 25^th anniversary issue and included a tribute to the four people the newspaper’s editors believed had given the most to Canton during the preceding quarter of a century. John Connolly was one of those people.

The Citizen described Connolly as “a Bulldog through and through … a man who never forgot where he came from, a leader by example who wears his love for Canton on his sleeve. Far more than a political figurehead, Connolly is an involved citizen, a proud father and a loyal friend.”

Those words were printed 13 years ago but are just as true today.

For nearly four decades, Connolly has been a passionate advocate for what he believes is best for Canton. With the courage and tenacity of an English bulldog, he has fought unwaveringly for his beloved hometown. Quitting was simply not an option.

His dedication to Canton is legendary. He has been a perennial participant at hundreds of town events, big and small. He has marched in more Little League parades than anyone ever has or ever will. He considered it his job to show up and show up he did.

But why did this proud son of Canton have such staying power? Why was he a leader as far back as when he was senior class president at Canton High in 1978, or when he won a seat on the school committee as a 22 year old? It always was and always will be John Connolly’s innate ability to put others first … to work for the greater good. Whether or not people agreed with him, they knew that John loved Canton. Perhaps it’s because of his unabashed love for the town that made him that John has made himself available 24/7. In fact, most of what he did do for Canton happened out of the spotlight, unheralded, unseen.

Former veterans agent Tony Andreotti, who is rightfully credited with the planning of multiple projects in town, including the relocation of Canton’s war memorials to a place of honor in Veterans Memorial Park, told me more than once that the real credit — on many veterans projects — should go to John Connolly.

“I may have had the idea,” he said. “But it was John who made it happen.”

Even before he graduated from CHS, John Connolly understood that the implied meaning of the phrase public servant is one who willingly serves others. That was an easy one for John, who always felt honored to serve Canton.

John was never afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. I remember the way his voice cracked when he told me that his CHS classmate and dear friend Michael Uliano was in the North Tower on September 11, 2001. I remember that he could not rest until a fitting memorial to Michael and all victims of 9/11 was dedicated a decade later at Veterans Memorial Park.

Many years ago, I went with John to visit his dad who was nearing the end of a long battle with Alzheimer’s. John was heartbroken, I could see the pain in his eyes, as he sat next to his dad and gently rubbed his hand. When we were leaving, he said, “I love you, Dad.” And then he said it again. He did not say goodbye. He said, ”See you soon, Dad.”

Thirteen years ago the Citizen praised Connolly as a “dedicated public servant with a heart of gold … the very definition of Canton pride and loyalty.”

And yes, that is just as true today as it was then. Thank you, John, for your years of service. Canton is better because of you. Personally, it’s always been an honor to call you my friend.

And thank you also to Caitlyn and Kayla Connolly for sharing their dad for so many years! If Canton is your dad’s world, you are his universe!

With gratitude,

Beth Erickson

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