Former Chief of Cliffwood Volunteer Fire Department Dies at 90

James J. Connelly, 90, of Cliffwood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2013 at his home. He was born on February 23, 1923 in Forest City, Pennsylvania, where he grew up. In 1946, James relocated to Elizabeth, New Jersey, and in 1956 settled in Cliffwood, New Jersey.

Before retiring, James worked as a machinist for Van Damm Machine Company in Patterson, New Jersey. James was a member of the Cliffwood Volunteer Fire Company for 56 years, where he served as Chief, Fire Commissioner, and Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention. He was also a Charter Member for the Bayshore Active Fire Chief Association.

He was predeceased by his parents, Timothy and Sadie (McCusker) Connelly, and his beloved wife of 51 years (November 13, 1948), Lucille (Fitzsimmons) Connelly. James is survived by his loving children, James "JC" Connelly and his wife Ruthann of Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey, Kathleen A. Connelly of Cliffwood, New Jersey, Karen Connelly-Black of Middletown, New Jersey, his cherished grandchildren, Edward "EJ" Black and his wife Christine, Kelli Benson, Heather Black, Nicole Connelly, along with his adored great grandchildren, Julia Black, Wyatt Benson, Braden Black, Lucy Grace Black, and Sean Black. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, May 23, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM, and Friday morning, May 24, 2013 from 8:00 to 8:45 AM at the Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3269 State Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, May 24, 2013 at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 376 Maple Place, Keyport, New Jersey 07735, at 9:15 AM. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Keyport, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James to the Cliffwood Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 460, Cliffwood, New Jersey 07721, or to Gentiva Hospice Foundation, 7801 Mesquite Bend Drive, Suite 105, Irving, Texas 75063, would be greatly appreciated.

For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.