Edward J. Connolley, 80, of Salisbury Township, died May 26, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Joan (Christie) Connolley for 58 years. Born in Danville, he was the son of the late James P. and Margaret (Gerringer) Connolley.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Bloomsburg University and a master's degree in education from Lehigh University.

He was a retired Navy Commander and had proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a flight officer on the USS Hornet and spent 34 years in the Naval Reserve. He was a district administrator of continuing education for Penn State 1960 to 1966.

He was employed as a senior human resource consultant for Bethlehem Steel 1967 to 1985. Before retiring in 1997, he served as a consultant to the office of the Under Secretary of the Navy at the Pentagon and the Philadelphia Shipyard.

He was a founding member of the first parish council, president of St. Thomas More Church and was also a past member of the choir, adding his warm Irish tenor voice. He devoted his time as an advisory board member for both Penn State University and the Lehigh Valley Military Advisory Council.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time on the open sea, but the real love of his life was his faith, family and country, a true patriot who left us on Memorial Day.

He is survived by his wife; daughters, Katie and her husband Steve Lindblom, of Telford, Mary Ellen and her husband James Kinek, of Macungie, Maureen and her fiance Todd Wendling, of Allentown; sister, Alice Mazich, of Latrobe; six grandchildren; a great-grandson and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceasd by brothers, James and Richard.

Memorial contributions may be made to At Home Hospice, 4315 Washington St., Schnecksville, 18078.

Arrangements were made by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.