Carol Mary Connelly, 88, embarked on her heavenly journey surrounded by her children at Onslow Memorial Hospital on October 15, 2026. The daughter of the late Joseph and Helen Bobak Cassino, Carol was born and raised in Yonkers, New York, with her brothers, Charles and Joe, and sister, Judy. In 1945, her family celebrated the end of World War II in the streets of Yonkers, inspiring a lifetime of patriotism and devotion to service.

In 1959, Carol graduated from St. Francis College in Loretto, PA, and was accepted into the law school at The Catholic University of America. On June 4, 1960, she married 2dLt Edmund James Connelly, Jr., USMC. After 26 years, multiple combat deployments, and ten changes of station, she was delighted to make Jacksonville her permanent home.

In 1981, Carol received her master’s degree from Emporia State University and became a dedicated educator. She emphasized the importance of education to her own children while inspiring her pupils to fulfill their potential. For over 30 years, she was a talented and patient middle school English and Social Studies teacher, as well as an administrator, in public and Catholic schools in Onslow County. She was elated when students would still say hello to her years after graduation. Carol also taught countless Marines and Sailors aboard Camp Lejeune, helping to raise test scores and enabling young servicemembers to achieve career goals. A truly respected educator, she was revered by students and faculty alike for her ability to forge genuine connections with students of all ages.

Carol relished being a mother and spoke proudly of each of her eight children. She had weekly dinners with her son and any family in town. Even when her children moved to different corners of the world, Carol remained a constant presence in their lives, keeping in touch with lengthy phone calls, and birthday, anniversary, holiday, and graduation cards that always arrived early. She was always at the ready with answers to tough grammar or catechism questions. She was a loving grandmother—to both 2-legged children and 4-legged pets—and enjoyed frequent photos, visits, book discussions, and creating trivia games to earn ice cream money.

Carol was an active parishioner of St. Mildred Catholic Church where she found strength and friendship through volunteerism. A fixture at Mass, she considered the parish one of her favorite places. She prayed daily for her family, friends, and students. While teaching, her prayer wall at Infant of Prague Catholic School always had room for one more name no matter how full it got. She continued this by keeping a prayer list in her purse, and she was always available to say a rosary for anyone in need. She lived her faith uncompromisingly.

While her greatest joys were centered around church and family, Carol also loved the sound of the ocean, Bojangles, crocheting, going to lunch with friends, watching legal procedural shows, and reading. Carol will be severely missed by everyone who knew her but can take solace that she is enjoying the splendors of heaven.

She was truly devoted to her family and friends. She is survived by her children: Chris Connelly (Rita), of Florida; Pat Connelly (Sheila), of North Carolina; Mike Connelly, of Texas; Theresa Hamlet (Mark), of Virginia; Colleen Wagner (Dave), of North Carolina; Cathy Fagan (Matt), of Virginia; Eddie Connelly (Ashley), of North Carolina; and Meg Hotchkin (Keenan), of North Carolina. She also leaves 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her siblings, Judy Cook of Delaware, and Joe Cassino of New York; and her best friend of over 40 years, Anne Mauthe of Jacksonville. Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Edmund James Connelly, Jr.; her brother, Charles Cassino; and her daughter, Kathleen Connelly.

The funeral services will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at St. Mildred Catholic Church in Swansboro, NC, with Father Mike Coveyou officiating. A Holy Rosary will be prayed at 10:30am, immediately followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00am. The family will receive friends following the service at a luncheon hosted at St. Mildred.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mildred Catholic Church Building Fund or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.