The passing of Paul E. Connolly, 82, earlier this month has those who knew him recalling the 52-year-plus resident’s extensive contributions to town government and the wider community (read full obituary).
Connolly served as Town Moderator from 1989 to 2007, presiding over Town Meeting, Natick’s legislative branch. Connolly remained an active Precinct 6 Town Meeting member even into last year, when he could be seen asking questions in his distinctive style about topics like the expansive omnibus budget. He could always be counted on to point out warrant article errors, saving Town Meeting time in the long run.
Connolly served on numerous other town bodies, and not necessarily the most glamorous ones, such as the Charter & ByLaw Review Committee.
Current Moderator Jeff Alderson said he is preparing a statement for the opening of Spring Annual Town Meeting, which will have a moment of silence and honor Connolly’s many contributions to town government.
“I personally felt a special kinship with Paul for reasons beyond his service as Town Moderator. We were both Air Force officers (both Captain), and we both had engineering careers. When I first joined Town Meeting I learned a lot from Paul about procedures and the importance of getting the details of motions correct,” Alderson said. “He was the person we could all lean on for his deep knowledge of how Town Meeting is run, and to weigh in with precedent on obscure parliamentary procedure. And it was watching Paul’s interactions with Frank [Foss] during his time as moderator that inspired me to learn more about the role and eventually run for the position myself.”
Foss expanded on Connolly’s contributions.
“His service to community was but a part of his service, which included his love of family, friends and acquaintances. He was an avid supporter of the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Natick as his and my youngest served together under his gentle guidance…” Foss said, also recalling Connolly’s support for the Ben-Hem and Wilson Middle School communities. “He was a rare human being with character and impeccable standing. I and we will miss him.”
Carol Gloff, another resident active in town government and the wider community, said she first met Connolly in the mid-1990s when she interviewed to be on the Natick Finance Committee.
“He was kind and patient, explaining to this newbie more about what the FinCom did. We also found similarities in our professional work and enjoyed comparing experiences,” she said. Connolly didn’t appoint Gloff after their first meeting in 1995, but did take a chance on her in 1997, and that started her involvement in Natick local government.
“I owe Paul a great deal and will always remember him as an important part of Natick’s recent history,” she said.
Natick Select Board Chair Bruce Evans said Connolly will be honored for his lengthy service at the Feb. 25 Select Board meeting.
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