C. Edmund "Ed" Connelly, Jr. DDS, MAGD

On December 28, 2024, Charles Edmund Connelly, Jr. DDS, MAGD, a.k.a. “Ed,” or “Hawkeye,”81, of Cambridge, MD, passed away at UMSMC in Easton, MD, after a brief illness with his family at his side.

Ed was born to Charles Edmund Connelly and Rose DiPaula in Baltimore, MD. A graduate of Cathedral School, Loyola High School, and Loyola College (1965), Ed was fond of saying he had a “Charles Street Education.”

He entered the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 1966, after teaching sciences at Mervo Technical School for a year. He graduated with his DDS in 1970.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966, and served active duty after graduation from dental school at a SAC base in Plattsburgh, NY, until discharged in 1972. He attained the rank of Captain with high-level security clearance. He remained in the USAF reserves while relocating his family and dental practice to Cambridge, Maryland.

In 1967, Ed married Mary Susan Jager, “Sue,” during his sophomore year in dental school. Ed and Sue celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on December 23rd.

Ed was dedicated to achieving excellence in the service of his patients. He completed years of continuing education classes, earning a Fellowship in General Dentistry (FAGD) from the Academy of General Dentistry and a Mastership in General Dentistry [MAGD]. Ed retired in 2016 but was asked to assist two other local dental practices in 2019, which he enjoyed tremendously. Over the years, Ed served people in need with his dental skills through Missions of Mercy.

Ed enjoyed hunting in several Dorchester County hunting clubs. He particularly enjoyed his annual waterfowl hunting trip to Saskatchewan with his Delaware hunting buddies for 24 years, including this past October. He looked forward to the next trip as soon as the last ended and made many Canadian friends, from local farmers to rodeo champions.

Ed was an accomplished decoy carver learning from master carver Ronnie Rue as far back as 1973, and he perfected his techniques with local carver Gary Marshall. He donated most of these decoys to Ducks Unlimited dinners in Dorchester, Chincoteague, and Seaford. In 1973, Ed joined the local DU chapter under the leadership of Lee “Bummy” Brohawn and was recently honored for 50 years of service. In DU, he served in many official roles, including committee member, zone chairman, Maryland Eastern Shore vice chairman, and master of ceremonies for many DU dinners. Following Bummy’s passing, Ed and Wayne Johnson of Cambridge, MD, raised $90,000 in his memory to construct 400 acres of impoundments on the Blackwater Refuge.

Ed deeply loved the Eastern Shore and the people who live here. He made a palpable and lasting legacy on Cambridge and its residents through his time and dedication to the church,business community, hospital system, veterans organizations, and the arts.

Ed was active in St. Mary Refuge of Sinners Catholic Church and served as a trustee and eucharistic minister.

His contributions and roles to Dorchester County include being President of the Dorchester Committee of 100, a civic improvement group assembled to revive the county’s economy through tourism. Their successes include bringing the Dorchester County Visitor Center, the Hyatt Resort, the Richardson Museum, the Choptank River Lighthouse, Sailwinds Park, and the Nathan of Dorchester skipjack. This building of this boat kept alive traditional skipjack building methods known only at that time by the late shipwright James “Jim” Richardson. Ed was one of many volunteers who helped build the skipjack.

Ed also served over 30 years in Rotary, including as a Board Member and President. He ran the Flags for Heros program, which is visible annually as visitors enter Cambridge to raise money for veterans' programs. Additionally, he served as President of Rotary’s student scholarship foundation, awarding scholarships to graduating seniors each year.

Ed also served as the president of the Dorchester County Hospital Foundation at his passing.

Ed was an accomplished wildlife photographer whose photos have been published in the annual DU calendar and magazines. Some of his photographs have also been exhibited at the Dorchester Arts Center, where he previously served as a Board Member and President.

Ed was predeceased by his mother, Rose, and his father, Ed, as well as his stepmother, Gwendolyn Aumann, and his aunts and uncles. He is survived by his sister Patricia Hoffman (David), of Landenburg, PA, brothers P. Dennis Connelly (Susan) of Timonium, MD and Robert M. Connelly of Baltimore, MD, and their children; son, Kevin M. Connelly, and his wife, Laurie of Bella Collina, FL, and their children, Logan, Cara, Ethan and Ella; daughter Karen and her husband, Sam Bell of Greer, SC, and their children Natalie and Olivia; and daughter Susan and her husband Keith Lambert of Baltimore, MD, and their children Ryan, Scarlett, and Cole.

Ed will be greatly missed by his children and grandchildren, hunting buddies, and Tuesday night poker group, who met weekly for over 40 years. Ed left an incredible legacy in Dorchester County, and his contributions will remain far beyond his life. All who knew him will miss his guidance, corny humor, warmth, kindness, friendship, and dedication to career, community, church, and country. He waits in heaven for his family and friends to be reunited with him.

Family will receive friends on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 2 to 4 and from 6 to 8 at Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11am at St. Mary Refuge of Sinners Catholic Church, 1515 Glasgow Street, Cambridge, MD 21613. Inurnment will follow at the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Ed requested donations be made to Dorchester Ducks Unlimited, PO Box 357 Cambridge, MD 21613, and Rotary’s Flags for Heros, PO Box 703 Cambridge, MD 21613. http://www.rotaryflagsforheros.org/