Paul D. Connelly, age 79, of Byron, MN passed away on Thanksgiving evening at Season's Hospice in Rochester. Paul was born March 23, 1940 at St. Mary's Hospital to Paul and Myrle (Campion) Connelly and grew up on the family farm near Byron.  He graduated from Lourdes High School in 1957.  He then went to work at Rochester Methodist Hospital and was employed there until his retirement in 2002.

He married Nancy Schimek on October 2, 1971 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron.  He is survived by his wife Nancy, 5 brothers, Gerald, Joseph (Karen), and William (Dorothy) of Rochester, John (Jacquie) of Byron, and James (Marilyn) of Bloomington; two sisters, Mary Ann (Terry) Schaefer of Rochester and Sharon (Brian Utley) of Lake Elmo, MN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert, and sister-in-law Margaret.

Although they had no children of their own, Paul had 45 nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews.  He was always interested in them and their activities.

Paul was a charter member of Christ the King Catholic Church, member of the Knights of Columbus and the Sons of American Legion Squadron 119, and an active member of the Byron Community.  He was an avid fan of the MN Twins and MN Vikings.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019, at Christ the King Church in Byron at 11:00AM, officiated by the Rev. John Lasuba.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Byron Funeral Home from 4-7PM and at the church one hour before the funeral.  Burial will be at the Byron Cemetery.  Memorials are preferred to Christ the King Catholic Church or Season's Hospice.

Blessed be his memory.