Charles P Connolly

Charles Patrick Connolly, formerly of Pearl River, NY, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side after a brief illness. He was 90 years old.

Charles, also known as Charlie, was born to John Connolly and Delia (ne’e Foley) Connolly on April 14, 1936, in the South Bronx, NY.  He shared fond memories and stories of those days growing up in the South Bronx.  Charlie graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1954 and during those years he developed a passion for boxing, becoming a Golden Gloves champion and sparring with the likes of Jake LaMotta and other rising fighters of that era.
 In 1957, he met Mary “Maureen” French, and the two were married at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in the Bronx in 1960. Together they built a life rooted in family, eventually settling in Pearl River NY in 1971, where they raised their three children, Kevin, Brian and Patricia.  They remained there until Maureen’s passing in 1997.  In March of 1998, fittingly on St. Patrick’s Day, Charlie met Michelle “Micki” Adams. They married in 2000 in Battery Park City and built a loving life together spending time between Naples Florida and Lakewood NJ. With the addition of Michelle’s three daughters, Jennifer, Christine and Patricia, the new “Brady Bunch” was officially formed.

In 1957, Charlie joined the New York City Police Department, where he built a distinguished 22-year career, rising through all civil service ranks to his final rank of Captain. During that period Charlie served in a number of patrol, investigative, administrative and command assignments throughout the department.   Along the way, he attended the 93rd session of the FBI National Academy Associates in Quantico VA, where he later became President of the NYS and Eastern Canada chapter. During that same time period he also earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
In 1979, Charlie was appointed Police Commissioner of the Yonkers Police Department, the fourth largest city in the state, for a period of four and a half years.  During his tenure there Charlie introduced numerous operational and training improvements one of which included restructuring of the Police Academy.
After Yonkers, Charlie then served eight years as the Director of Police and Security services for the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation, responsible for the administration, training and supervision of some 1,300 police personnel and 24 health related facilities.
Charlie then became the First Vice President/Director of Worldwide Security for Merrill Lynch, the world’s largest brokerage firm, where he oversaw the physical security of 68,000 plus employees assigned to 980 buildings in 44 countries and the 50 states.  He was also responsible for the organizations Corporate Security, Fraud Control and Executive Protection as well as the firms International and Domestic Ethics hotline.

Public service was at the center of Charlie’s life. Throughout a remarkable 68-year career spanning both the public and private sectors, he became widely respected for his  leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate high-pressure situations with calm authority.  Charlie served as a founding member of the Center for Strategic and International Studies steering committee focused on transnational security threats, working alongside leaders from the FBI, CIA, Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense.  He was a frequent lecturer, consultant and member for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, FBI National Executive Institute, Police Executive Research Forum and American Society of Industrial Security.  In 2006 at the Major Cities Chiefs/FBI NEI annual conference Charlie was given the Penrith Award for his continuous contributions and service to the law enforcement profession.
Charlie was also deeply committed to education and mentorship. He taught as an adjunct professor at John Jay College, Rockland Community College, St. Thomas Aquinas College, and even spent a semester teaching at West Point. He was a sought-after speaker and consultant on law enforcement and security matters throughout the United States and abroad. Charlie has been a guest speaker on Police and Security matters in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the US National War College

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Charlie was most proud of his family, friendships, and community ties. He was a longtime member of the Pearl River Elks Lodge and the Sons of the American Legion Post 329, a past member of the AOH Division 3.  He remained deeply connected to the Pearl River community throughout his life.

Charlie was predeceased by his beloved wife Maureen; his daughter Patricia; his parents, John and Delia; his sister Ann Loughran; and several beloved in-laws.

He is survived by his loving wife Michelle; his children Kevin (Wil), Brian (Lisa), Jennifer Pugliese, Christine Saraceni, and Patricia Adams; his brother John Connolly; and many cherished extended family members and friends.

He was also the proud grandfather of Kaylee Connolly, Tara Connolly, Teagan McGarry, Ashlin McGarry, Ashley Sullivan, Liam Sullivan, and Kate Saraceni.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Aedan’s Church in Pearl River, followed by burial at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Nanuet.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association 

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