Obituary of David J Connolly

David J. Connolly Jr. of Basking Ridge, NJ passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 27, 2016. David was 80 years old. David "Dave" graduated from Montclair Academy, Williams College and Yale Law School. Dave's career began as a law clerk in Newark before working at McCarter & English. Shortly thereafter, Dave began working in Morristown. Dave practiced law in Morris County for many years. He was managing partner at Schenck, Price, Smith and King and then a senior partner at Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch. Among many professional roles Dave was a Municipal Judge for Bernards Township, 5 year member and 1982 Chairman of the NJ Client Security Fund. Dave was an avid civic volunteer for education. He served on numerous Boards including Bonnie Brae School for Boys, Linden Hall School, and was a founding Board member for Somerset County College, now known as Raritan Valley Community College. Some additional interests included Kiwanis and Somerset Hills Historical Society among others. Dave enjoyed coaching his children's baseball teams, playing tennis, entertaining, dining and vacationing at the Jersey Shore and Rangeley, Maine. Dave grew up in Verona. He was pre-deceased by his parents David Sr. and Bonnie, and brother John. Surviving Dave is his wife of 58 years Judy, children: David, IV of Sparta, NJ, LaurieAnn and her husband Peter Lowrie, of Austin Texas, Jon & wife Joanie of Newton NJ, Susan & husband Sean Carroll of Salt Lake City, Utah. Dave's 10 grandchildren and great grandson were his pride and joy. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to: Bonnie Brae of Basking Ridge or Linden Hall of Lititz, Pa. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016, 11:00am at St. James Church, 184 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. For further information please contact Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home at 908-766-0250, or to light an online condolence candle please visit our website at www.gcfuneralhome.com