John R. (Jack)'s Obituary
John R. (Jack) ConnellyHe has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.Jack passed away on Monday, September 6, at his home in Lakewood. He was born July 12, 1928, in Chicago and grew up there. He graduated from Loyola Academy in Chicago and the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. At the U of I, on a sunny afternoon following a football game, he met Rosemary, the woman who would be his wife for 52 years.Jack spent his working life in the field of management-labor relations in Chicago, Detroit, and Connecticut before coming to the Northwest to be VP of Nalley Foods. He negotiated NalleyÂ's union contracts in Tacoma, throughout the West and in Canada. After 15 years at NalleyÂ's, he opened his own consulting firm, Connelly and Associates. He continued to represent NalleyÂ's as well as many other Northwest employers in both public and private sectors. He loved the give and take at the bargaining table and had the reputation of being a tough but fair negotiator.Jack is survived by his wife, 6 children and 18 grandchildren. Kathy, Maureen, and Jack Jr. were born in Chicago, daughter Linda was born in Detroit, Mike in Connecticut, and Tim in Washington. Jack was very involved in his childrenÂ's lives. He was a PTA president, softball coach, Big Chief Â"Lotta BullÂ" in Indian Guides and a past president of the Tacoma Swim Club where his children swam competitively. He loved to play bridge. He was a charter member of the Lakewood Raquet Club, a member of Gyro, The Tacoma Club, and the Tacoma Country Club.Jack was an active member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Lakewood, a charter member of Knights of Columbus Council No. 11762, and was Faithful Navigator of the Archbishop Murphy Assembly. A Vigil service will be held at 7:00 pm Sunday in the Mt. View Garden Chapel. A Rosary will be held 10:30am Monday at St. John Bosco Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am Monday with a reception following. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Donations may be made to Franciscan Hospice.
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