John P. Connolly
John P. Connolly, 78, of Syracuse, IN passed away on September 4, 2013 at Millers Merry Manor. He was born on August 17, 1935 in Syracuse, IN to James & Catherine (Shenberger) Connolly. On October 23, 1954 he married Shirley Hollar. He was a lifelong area resident. He retired from Chore Time Brock after 12 years as a material handler. He was a sales rep in the RV Industry from 1970-1989, Syracuse Rubber from 1956-1970 starting out as a laborer and later working his way up to Quality Control, Estimator, and purchasing agent with Cambridge Homes. He was a 1953 Graduate of Syracuse High School. He served his Country as a Sergeant in the USMC (Signal Detachment). He attended EMT School in Huntington, IN, attended ACME Tech Trade School in Fort Wayne, IN, he was a trained Firefighter and became the first EMT in Kosciusko County. He was instrumental in orchestrating & obtaining the first ambulance in Syracuse in 1972 and served with the Syracuse EMS from 1960-1989. He served as a volunteer on the Syracuse Fire Department. He was a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church where he was on the original committee that named and built the church. He was one of the original Red Coats at Goshen Hospital receiving his 100 Hour Pin for his volunteerism. He served on the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals. He served on the Syracuse Wawasee Historical Museum Board. He founded and maintained a Marker program for fallen Firefighters from the town of Syracuse. He was a member of both the Syracuse American Legion & VFW where he served on the Honor Guard. John enjoyed walking, cutting and selling firewood. John is survived by his wife – Shirley Connolly of Syracuse. 1 daughter – Susan Reiff of Whitestown. 1 son – Gary Connolly of Nappanee. 3 grandsons – Lucas Reiff, Caleb Reiff, and Jonathan Connolly. 1 brother – James (Linda) Connolly of Bloomington. 1 sister – Julie (Ralph) Eggleston of Arizona. He was preceded by his parents. Services will be Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 3:00 pm at the Eastlund Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Beedle of the St. Andrews United Methodist Church officiating. Calling will be from noon until 3 prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to: Syracuse Fire Department, St. Andrews United Methodist Church, or the Syracuse Wawasee Historical Museum. Online condolences to: eastlundfuneralhome.com