Beloved father and grandfather, Christopher John Connolly, age 65, of Hagerstown, Maryland passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 12, 1960, in Washington D.C., to the late Margaret K. Albert and Douglas H. Connolly.

Chris spent his former years in Frederick, Maryland and Wheeling, West Virginia. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1979 to 1992. He was an E5 Buck Sargeant serving as a nuclear, biological, and chemical non-commissioned officer also known as NBCNBO. He was also the NCO in charge of quarter and party. He was a patriot who served his country proudly and was always eager to support and recognize fellow men and women of uniform for their service.

Chris had extensive experience in the restaurant industry, having owned two establishments and managing multiple others throughout his lengthy career. He was an extremely hard worker, never complaining or missing a day of work. He woke up with a smile on his face and with the belief that his glass was always half full. Even facing serious health challenges, he remained resilient. He learned to walk with a prosthetic leg before becoming a double amputee. He was nimble with his wheelchair and even modified his car and motorcycle, never allowing his condition to bring him down. Chris even welcomed the challenge of mowing his lawn in his wheelchair. He never liked to sit still, even upon retirement due to disability he served others and continued to work as a greeter for Walmart.

Chris will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family and the unfailing love for his grandbabies, he looked forward to their visits often. He loved his target practice, cooking, eating excellent steak, and sharing his childhood memories with his family. He was an admirable son who helped his mother later in life when she needed him.

Two marriages blessed Chris with 5 wonderful children. He is survived by his wife Judy, his children Shawn and Peggy Connolly of Mississippi, Brittney Knox and Luke Stum of Pennsylvania, Andrew Knox of West Virginia, Katrina Jeffery of Maryland, and Christopher Connolly Jr. of Maryland. Chris also survived by his 5 brothers, Stephen and Denise Connolly of Maryland, Patrick and Valerie of Texas, Matthew and Lisa of Virginia, Terrance and Kelli of Maryland and John and Jill of Colorado. He was a proud grandfather to Hailey, Makenzie, Madilynn, Carter, Madison, Aiden, Skylor, Mikayla, Colton, Paxton, Isabella, and Rosalie.

Family will welcome friends at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd. Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740 on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 6:00-8:00pm, followed by a graveside memorial and burial at Rosehill Cemetery, 600 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740 on Friday January 23, 2026, at 1400. Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Legion, Morris Frock Post #42, 405 Northern Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742..