Daniel J. Connolly

Daniel Connolly passed away unexpectedly at 73 years of age on the morning of March 15, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents John “Jack” and Laverne (nee Fitzgerald) Connolly; his brother-in-law Robert Greifenhagen; his aunt Marie Fitzgerald; his uncles John (Mary) Fitzgerald, Joseph “Buster” (Anita) Connolly, William “Billy” (Mary) Connolly and James (Joan) Connolly; and five of his cousins: Rev. John “Jackie” Connolly, Robert “Bob” Connolly, Francis “Franny” Connolly,

Kathleen Coon, Patricia Holcolm, and Geraldine “Jerry” Hotham.

Daniel is survived by his ex-wife Barbara (nee Buettner) Murray, their sons Brian (Jessica) and Kevin Connolly, and daughter Kristin (Jake) Reinders as well as his older sister Margaret “Peg” Greifenhagen. He was the proud grandfather of nine wonderful grandchildren: Andrew, Maddison and Katelyn Connolly; Bailey and Matthew Anschutz; and Sydney, Skylar, Milo and Bastian Reinders. Daniel was also the loving uncle of Lila (Patrick) Hamel, Megan (Kent) Hamilton, and Robert John Greifenhagen as well as Lila’s sons Nathan, Johnathan and Luke, and Megan’s daughters Jordana and Annaleya.

Daniel was born on August 28, 1950 in Milwaukee, WI. He survived childhood polio and eventually became a collegiate athlete in both basketball and baseball.

After graduating from Cardinal Stritch University, he became a teacher at St. Eugene’s and worked at various parochial schools. As his family grew, he left teaching to take a job with the Wisconsin State Patrol and worked as a radio dispatcher. Later, he returned to being a teacher and school librarian at Catholic Central High School in Burlington. While there he also was a scout and assistant coach for the school’s football team and helped them to win multiple WIAA State Championships; this was a point of great pride. He also coached the school’s forensics team. Prior to retiring he also worked as a Professor at Herzing University and as a substitute teacher around southeast Wisconsin.

Daniel had a life-long love of music. He sang in numerous church choirs, and for several years sang for the Bel Canto Chorus and the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus. He sang with St. Patrick’s each year for the holiday and recently sang for funeral services with St. Charles Catholic Church. He was always passionate about multiple instruments, learning to play several including the organ, guitar, flute and dozens more. Over time he gathered quite a collection.

His other great love was books; Daniel was never without a book or two at hand and would frequently be seen reading. He surrounded himself in what would become his own library of literature in his home. He enjoyed learning new things and seeking out knowledge about any and every topic you could imagine. He loved to discuss books and share his knowledge with others.

Those who knew Daniel would describe him as a person with a big heart, always there to help others and put others first. He would go out of his way to show support to family and friends and would never hesitate to help various charities or strangers in need. As a man of faith, he lived life as a humble servant of God, always doing all he could to brighten the world around him.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Evert-Luko Funeral Home (170 Warren Ave., Hartland, WI) from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM immediately followed by a Catholic service at 1:30 PM and then graveside service at St. Charles Cemetery. Following the funeral, family and friends are invited to gather together at Revere’s Well’s Street Tavern at 505 Wells St., Delafield, WI.