John Daniel Connolly, 85, of Tinton Falls, passed away Sunday surrounded by his family.

John was born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He is a graduate of Niagara University. Following his graduation, he joined the United States Army, where he would serve honorably for 20 years, including three tours in Vietnam, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Using his experience from the miliary, he would go on to a second career as managing director of a Government defense contracting firm.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Connolly; his children Deirdre Connolly, Daniel Connolly, Kathleen Roberts and her husband Stephen, John Connolly and his wife Judy, Patricia Foulon and her husband Steven, and Jean Litzebauer and her husband Jeremy; and his beloved 19 grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered Monday, September 19 ^th at 10:15 AM at St. Leo the Great Church, 50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft. Burial will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

To leave a message of condolence or to share a favorite memory please visit John's page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com .