Stephen Henry Connolly, Jr. 94 of Yarmouth Port passed away peacefully at his home Saturday March 28, 2020.

He was the beloved husband of Thelma E. (Hardy) Connolly and they had just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in January.

Born, raised and educated in Dorchester, Stephen was the son of the late Stephen Henry and Anna (Simmons) Connolly. He was a graduate of Boston High School of Commerce.

Following high school, Steve began his career in the seafood industry on the Boston Fish Pier. His path was quickly interrupted by the onset of America’s entry into World War II with Steve immediately enlisting in the Navy. Anxious to serve on a destroyer, Steve, instead, found himself stationed in Kansas, first in the Air Navy fire brigade, and then rising in the ranks to oversee a division of the naval training program. Although Steve was offered a permanent position in the Navy, he chose to attend Boston University to study architecture part-time and returned to the seafood industry full-time.

Steve worked tirelessly to learn every facet of the fishing and fish processing industry and his passion for the industry grew. Armed with knowledge, determination and an innate competitive spirit, Steve started his own seafood company in Boston in 1981, The Steve Connolly Seafood Company.

With Steve at the helm, a gifted charismatic salesman, Steve Connolly Seafood quickly grew delivering on it’s promise to provide “pure, fresh” seafood. In 1990 Steve was honored by the United States Small Business Administration by naming him The Small Business Person of the Year for the state of Massachusetts. President George H. Bush bestowed the honor on Steve in a Rose Garden Ceremony at the White House. Steve was also recognized and inducted into the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Hall of Fame for a lifetime of service to the industry. Steve continued as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Steve Connolly Seafood until his passing. His passion for and commitment to his business was undeniable and never waned. Steve became a legend in the industry guided by his company’s motto: “Steer A Course to Quality”.

Aside from his work at Steve Connolly Seafood, Steve enjoyed dabbling in real estate, arguing politics, and savoring fine cuisine. Steve had a zest for life and adventure, traveling the world with his devoted wife, Thelma, always by his side. Charming and clever, he could recount a story with an intensity and sense of humor few could match. An avid fan of hometown sports, Steve enjoyed both watching and attending Patriots and Bruins games. Steve found peace and relaxation on the water as the captain of his boat “My Way.”

In addition to his wife, Steve is survived by his son, Stephen R. Connolly and his wife, Paula of Sandwich; a daughter, Janice S.C. Petrie and her husband, Mike of Topsfield; five grandchildren Alison Bruno of Sandwich, Christopher Connolly of Woodstock, NH, Kristen J.C. Petrie and her husband, Kevin Eaton of Newmarket, NH, David Petrie and his wife, Samantha of Haverhill and Daniel Connolly of Sandwich; five great grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Seibert of Whitman; a brother, Robert Connolly of Oceanside, CA, and a step-brother, Joseph Foley of Canton. Steve was predeceased by a brother, Timothy Connolly, two step-sisters, Virginia Foley Borroni and Josephine Foley Piona, and a step-brother, Tom Foley.

Interment will be private and a celebration of Steve’s life will follow at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association www.heart.org. or to the Salvation Army www.salvationarmyusa.org.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Thelma and your family. Sincerly, Carol Sullivan

Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Thelma and family. It has been an honor and a privilege to work for Steve for the past 35 years. He will not be soon forgotten. Love, The Putney Family.

My grandfather really was a legend to everyone who had the honor to meet and spend any time with him. So legendary in the seafood industry he was bestowed, and truly lived up to the moniker "The Codfather". I was lucky enough to work with him for 7 years and while we had our ups and downs he taught me amongst many other things, a lesson that I think has been lost in business today, that your employees are your greatest assett and if you treat them as they were family, no matter race, creed, or sexual orientation for that matter (which was not the norm at the time, to say the least), they will want to work their hardest for you. A very tough, but very fair man, he will be missed by all. I will end with my favorite of his many quotes, and pardon my english, but this will surely bring a smile to anyone who knew him, "It's just as easy to say thank you as it is to say f*** you". Rest in peace grampie, we all love you dearly.

We're very sorry to hear of Uncle Steve's passing. Please accept our sincere sympathy and condolences.

Sorry for your loss. He had quite an accomplished life. Thinking of you all. Love, Ann