To know George Connolly is to love him. Just the thought of him makes you smile. He is a ball of energy with rugged good looks, a quick wit and one of the best story tellers around. He has that Southie charm – a magical combination of scrappiness, humor, and magnetism.
George grew up in the High Rise, the youngest of 5 kids with his parents Lefty and Ala. Like most people from Southie, some of the friends George made as a kid in the neighborhood are still his closest ones today. He met Tracy Hayes from City Point on St. Patrick’s Day back in 1993 and got married the following year. They have two children, Griffin, 19, a sophomore at University of Arizona and Maddie, 21, a junior at Syracuse – who will be studying abroad in Australia next semester. They moved to St. Brendan’s parish in Dorchester in 2006 and became a vibrant part of their new neighborhood.
George is a mover and a shaker. He hustles. You may have seen George on an Amtrak train where he’s works as a conductor for over 20 years or maybe tending bar at Whiskey Priest on the waterfront. He probably had a smile or some witty banter for you and made you feel like a friend. George is a great guy who is the first to lend a helping hand. Now it’s time to help out George and his family.
Back in October, George was diagnosed with throat cancer. A tumor was found on the back of his tongue and quickly spread to his lymph nodes. The last few months have been rough on George and his family. Every day he goes to Mass General for radiation and on Wednesdays he gets chemo and radiation. Since his illness, he struggled to eat and has lost 30 pounds. Back in December, a feeding tube was inserted to help George. Tracy has taken a leave of absence from her job at Newton South High School to take care of her husband which she does with grace and compassion. Both the neighborhood of South Boston and Dorchester have rallied to help out the Connolly family – from making meals, to thoughtful cards and notes, to organizing raffles for iPads and 50/50’s. “Everybody has gone above and beyond,” says George with a smile. “We really are so thankful for everything that has been done for us! the outpouring of support has been overwhelming,” adds Tracy.
On Friday, February 17th at Florian Hall, family, friends and neighbors will gather for an old fashion “Time” at Florian Hall for a friendship party for George and his family. Thomas Park – Southie’s favorite band will be performing and legendary Southie DJ Dru Errico will be spinning his classic playlist. Tickets are $20. For more information you can visit here.
Come on out and help support an amazing guy and his family during this time of need! If you would like to make a donation, you can mail a check to:
Maureen Kennedy
100 Wendall Park
Milton, MA 02186
Thank you Maureen for your suooort and beautiful article on George. He is so grateful for the prayers and love even strangers have shown him. He is facing this trial with dignity, strength and even some of his precious humor. Keep the prayers coming and thanks to everyone working to make this a great event. It’s going to be remarkable.
You said it George is one of the nicest guys around. Always a smile and a funny thing to say to make you smile or let you feel pretty good. God bless you George and Tracy and your kids. George will be back to his old self in no time.
OMG I had no idea , George is one of the nicest guys to come out of southie , I really like George always did , I will be praying for him and his family for sure , hang tough kid
Hi I’m Stevie Costa and George’s one of my fav friend from Southie I will say a prayer for you George!
George has been one of my best friends for many years and many more to follow! I had the pleasure to meet his beautiful wife Tracy and his look a like daughter Madison this past summer. I introduced him to a few friends from San Diego at the Whiskey Priest, We stopped in for a drink and that turned into a Steak Tip dinner and more drinks at The Bayside (yup, I still call it that). I can honestly say I love him and I am praying for him and I know he will win this battle.
#@*& Cancer!!
Georgie, Had No Idea, I will be praying for you and your family ! I remember you at Woolworth’s when you were just a kid , I was on the register & you came into the store everyday, See you at the time. God Bless. Sheila McClellan Pavone
I’m so sad to hear. George’s live of his family and respect for fatherhood always inspired me. He’s a gem! I’m with you!
So, So very sorry to hear this! God bless him and strengthen him through this battle. George has always been a great guy and I’m sure the community will pull together to show support… prayers and hugs
So many of us know George from Our time commuting on Amtrak. I always looked forward to a welcome aboard from George. Wishing him and his family the best.