1982 – 2022
Hampton – Ian Frederick Wolfgang Connolly, 40, of Windy Hill Rd., died Saturday, August 6, 2022, in Hartford Hospital. Ian went into the hospital on April 19, 2022, with strangulated intestines from a hernia, and after 8 surgeries he returned home on June 7, 2022. Ian was recovering well before his unexpected passing.
Ian was born in Beverly, MA. He is the son of Frederick T. Connolly and Madeleine A. Desroches of Pomfret, CT. Ian, nicknamed “EZE”, graduated from Putnam High School where he was a member of the Putnam Clippers football team. He attended the University of Connecticut at Avery Point for a year to study marine sciences, then left to join the workforce and buy his first house at age 20. Ian was a dedicated Telecommunicator (Dispatcher) for the East Hartford Police and Fire Department for 18 years where he answered 911 calls. Although he worked full time, he also built playscapes for Cedar Works of Maine, and was a court process server.
Ian was easy to be around and made connections with all types of people. He was highly dedicated to his family, friends, and job; and was generous with his time and efforts. Ian was innovative and had a talent for finding solutions to problems, he was tough and would rarely complain, he was fun-loving and always eager to initiate a good time. He loved the backwoods life and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, scuba diving, backpacking, skiing, cooking, traveling, playing cards, betting horse races, pulling pranks, and had recently taken up playing the harmonica. His favorite things to watch as a child were He-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. As an adult his favorite “Christmas movie” was Die Hard, and he frequently watched Hot Tub Time Machine, The Sopranos, and Breaking Bad. He listened to outlaw country music, and his favorite team for his entire life was the Dallas Cowboys.
Ian is survived by his parents; a sister, Harmonie (Sweet) Jewett of Franklin, VT; a brother Devon Connolly of Roanoke, VA; and his maternal grandmother, Anne Desroches. He also leaves behind many uncles, aunts, and cousins, friends, and a “work-family” at the East Hartford Police and Fire Department.
Ian made this world a better place, and he will be genuinely missed!
Those who wish to honor Ian, are welcome to attend A Celebration of Ian’s Life on Sunday, August 21, 2022, from 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. at the Inn at Woodstock Hill, 94 Plaine Hill Rd., Woodstock, CT 06281.
Memorial donations may be made to the Ian Connolly Community Fund c/o East Hartford Police Chief, 31 School St., East Hartford, CT 06108. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
To watch the video of Ian’s Memorial Service please follow this link: https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1226896
Kay
Sincere condolences to the entire family. I know your hearts must be breaking. May his soul rest in peace.
Kay Chriswell and family
Alida Eccleston
I’m so sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. He was always a friendly face from the soccer field when we were little kids being coached by his mom in Pomfret to the halls at PHS. Sending my love to Maddie, Devon and the whole family.
Andy "Moose" Rondeau
Proud to say I had EZE as a friend. That big smile and those wild brown eyes and the big laugh were uniquely Ian’s. We spent many a great time together playing football, fishing, diving and doing odd jobs through his brief career in the world of stump grinding. 🙂 EZE was wise beyond his years, a jack of all trades.
He will be missed. My deepest Condolences to his mom and dad and Devon and the entire family.
Ed Ruiz
I say when someone leaves us to early, The heavens must had needed someone special. Goodbye friend. I will always remember you as one of the nicest co-workers and friend.❣️
Rich & Joan Colbert
Fred, Maddy and family we are saddened over Ian’s loss. Parents losing a child is grief most of us hope never to experience. May you find strength in the many fond memories you have a Ian and know we shall keep you all in our prayers. Godspeed.
Rita Strachan
My Condolences to Fred and Mattie,and the rest of the family as you go through this difficult time of your life. My God keep you strong.as you remember all the good times you shared together
Lorraine McAllister
Maddie, Fred, Harmonie, and Devon,
I don’t even know how to say how sorry I am to hear of Ian’s passing. I fondly remember what a cute little boy he was. My heart goes out to you at this sad time.
Tom Lowell
We cannot find the words to express our sorrow. love you guys. Tom and Debby
Patricia L Desroches
Fred, Maddy, Harmonie, Devon,
I am So Sorrowful that you have to walk through these dark days,
“When you hear the Whistles of the Wind blowing through the trees,
Think of ME,
When the Sunset falls Beyond the Seas,
Think of ME,
When the Sun Warms your skin,
Think of ME,
Denise Brunelle
So sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you, Captain, Harmonie and Devon. Ian had a gentle soul, kind heart and a smile that could light up a room. The whistling man. he will be missed. Sending my love and hugs your way. ❤️❤️
Gary E Ayers
Sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. My Prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.
Karen Desroches
Our thoughts are with you Maddy, Fred, Harmonie and Devon. Ian was a wonderful son, brother and friend to all who loved him. He will surly be missed by us all! God bless him and some day we will all be joined again in heaven as a family.
Karen & Chris
Jim Shake
My condolences go out to Ian’s Family & Friends,
I came to know Ian while we worked together at Pfizer in Groton dispatching. Ian was a great partner and it was always fun to work with him. Very knowledgeable and was always ready to handle what was put before him. The last we talked was many years ago when he first started in East Hartford. He truly loved the job. East Hartford Police & Fire lost a dedicated dispatcher. Ian will be missed by many. Go in peace my friend.
Dennyse and Michael White
Michael, Ryan, Garrett and I have been lucky enough to grow up with your family, including Ian who never failed to surprise. We have fond memories lasting at least 25 years and are so grateful he was in our world as everyone got older. We hold and cherish all those memories and are here for anything your family needs. Ian smoked a mean brisket and had a little quip for any topic. We’ll miss him and love your entire clan.
Natalie Parker
Maddie, Fred and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Natalie Parker
Deborah Dunn
To Ian’s entire family… my most sincere condolences. I am sorry for your loss . ” EZE” was in my Art class at Putnam High more than 20 years ago. I have such fond memories of him to this day. He was a “stand out student and person”. He made me look forward to his class for the laughter & fun we had whenever he was around. I will also keep dear to my heart every act of unexpected kindness & compassion he shared with his classmates. Ian truly went the extra mile to help others & make everyone have a great day . I remember the day he got permission to drive with me and some buddies to go pickup an extra pottery wheel for the class. He always went above & beyond.” EZE” was a fabulous person . He was one of my favorite people I was so fortunate to have in my Art classes. He touch everyone’s lives with his enormous personality & heart… He certainly touched mine. Such a loss. R.I.P.
Deb Dunn
Robin cappello
I’m so very sorry for your loss.