Edward Joseph Connelly, 73, of Natick, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 2, 1953, Edward was the beloved son of the late Patrick Joseph and Cecilia (Shea) Connelly. He was raised in Natick alongside his seven siblings and attended Natick High School. He worked for several years as a respiratory therapist at Beth Israel Hospital before serving the Town of Natick with the Natick Fire Department for 39 years, retiring as Deputy Chief. Through his work, he helped and connected with so many people throughout the Natick community.

Edward was kind, dependable, and always willing to help a friend or neighbor. He had a lifelong passion for cars, often rebuilding, modifying, and making them his own. He had an incredible understanding of how things worked. One of his greatest accomplishments was building his own home on Bluestone Path, a reflection of his skill, patience, and attention to detail. He also enjoyed nature, sailing, and the ocean. Above all, he was incredibly proud of his two children, Morgan and Emma, and was a devoted father.

Edward was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Patrick J. Connelly; and his brothers-in-law, Dennis Kilroy and John Ferraro.

He was the beloved father of Morgan E. Connelly of Natick and Emma C. Connelly and her husband, Austin M. Hiller, of San Diego, California, and is also survived by their mother, Paddy Connelly. He was the cherished brother of Mark Connelly of Natick; Mike Connelly and his wife, Lori, of Natick; Kathie Kilroy of Holliston; Mary Ferraro of Framingham; Peggy Eldridge and her husband, Gary, of Millis; and Ann Nichols and her husband, Rich, of Holliston. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Edward’s Life will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lookout Farm, 89 Pleasant Street South, South Natick, MA. All are warmly invited to attend, share memories, and celebrate Edward’s life.

The celebration will be held outdoors under the tent, weather permitting. Guests are encouraged to bring a jacket. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held indoors at Lookout Farm.

For parking, please follow the Lookout Farm driveway to the end and park near the large red Private Event sign. Staff and signage will be available to direct guests. Accessible parking will also be available.

For any questions regarding the Celebration of Life, please contact Emma Connelly at 508-688-2450.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through their Memorial and Tribute Giving page: Donate | Dana-Farber and/or to the Natick Fire Department Charitable Fund, which supports scholarships and contributions to local organizations throughout the Natick community. Donations may be made through Venmo: Donate | @NatickFire-Charity

For the online guestbook, please visit www.everettfuneral.com.