Lawrence J. Connelly

Waltham- Mr. Lawrence J. Connelly of Waltham died Monday November 22, 2004 in Tufts New England Medical Center, Boston after a courageous battle against muscular dystrophy. He was 35. Born in Waltham, Larry attended the Banks School in Waltham and Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton where he participated in wheelchair sports. In 1976 he served as the Poster Child and Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Massachusetts and helped the organization, for the first time, raise over one million dollars for research and programs. Larry was an avid sports fan and closely followed the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots. During his time working with the MDA, Larry appeared with several of Boston’s sports legends and television personalities. He also developed strong computer skills and created several works of art using voice recognition programs. Larry loved life and lived it to the fullest, finding his greatest strength from his strong love of God. He leaves his devoted parents, Lawrence E. and Sandra M. (Coleman) Connelly of Waltham, his aunts and uncles, James and Helen Connelly of Merrimack, NH and John and Charleen Coleman of West Newton and several cousins. He was also a nephew of the late Joseph Connelly and Julieann Coleman. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral at 9:30 a.m. Monday from The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham followed by a Funeral Mass in Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham. Visiting hours are Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.