Peter Connolly ’97 (CLAS)

Peter V. Connolly of New Fairfield CT passed away May 25, 2021 at Yale- New Haven Hospital. He was 47 years old. Peter was born January 19, 1974 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City, the son of Paul V. and the late Barbara (Condon) Connolly. He attended and graduated New Fairfield High School in 1992 and the University of Connecticut in 1997. He was a member of St. Edward the Confessor Church, a member of the University of Connecticut Alumni Association (1997- Present), University of Connecticut football (1992- 1997), Connecticut Baseball Umpires Association and Alcoholics Anonymous. He was awarded University of Connecticut football- Special Teams Player of the Year in 1996. Peter was a lover of all things sports related. He was an avid Cowboy and Yankee fan and anything or anyone UCONN. Fondest memories began in New Fairfield, CT. He grew up on Flora Street and often referred to his childhood friends “Flora Street Family”.

Peter played every sport imaginable- football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer and wrestling. Peter was an athlete at New Fairfield High School and took his talents to University of Connecticut where he played football. He was a running back and special team’s player. He has been described equally tough, as he was kind. Peter was also described as the best teammate, especially to the underdog. He was a friend to everyone he met and always had your back. Words that come to mind are loyal, sincere, genuine, a heart of gold, tough as nails and could talk to anyone about anything, especially sports.

By far his biggest source of joy were his children, Ryan and Kyla. He was often seen bragging about his pride in them and their achievements. Peter is survived by his children Ryan and Kyla Connolly of Bethel, his father Paul Vincent Connolly of New Fairfield, his sister Cathy (husband Marty) Horkan of Malden, MA, his nephews Liam and Sean Horkan, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, his former spouse Krysten Lopez of Bethel, friends, and his University of Connecticut football brotherhood.