Richard (Dick) John Connolly, 83, passed away at home in Kennewick, Washington, on January 4, 2026, after a two-week stay at Kadlec Hospital in Richland. Dick was born on November 13, 1942, in Far Rockaway, New York, to John Joseph Connolly and Elizabeth Veronica McGuire.

The youngest of four children, Dick grew up with his sister, Elizabeth “Honey” Schoenig, and brothers Ray and Jack in the Bayswater area of Far Rockaway, just a few blocks from Jamaica Bay, where they enjoyed endless hours of summer fun. Raised in a traditional Irish-Catholic family, Dick was surrounded by numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles, as well as a policeman grandfather (rumored to have a bookie business on the side) and a firefighter father, whose presence in the community likely kept Dick in school rather than the pool halls.

Dick began his lifelong plumbing and pipefitting career as an apprentice with UA Local 2 in New York. He worked on many projects in and around New York City before moving his family—former wife Eileen Matlock and children Richard, Jean, and Chris—to Yakima, Washington, in 1975. After an attempt at farming on Konowac Pass with friends Marty and Patty Godfrey, he became a member of Local 598 and went to work for Bechtel Power on the FFTF. When work slowed down, he became a real estate salesman before deciding to hit the road as a traveler. This took him to many locations across the United States, including New Jersey and Connecticut, allowing him to see much of New England, which remained a favorite memory. Dick spent the remainder of his career in or near the Tri-Cities, often serving as a foreman or superintendent.

Dick was a respected boss whose motto was, “Remember, when you lay off a worker, you’re laying off their whole family.” If you talk to his coworkers or former bosses, they will likely tell you what they appreciated most about him was his sense of humor—and how he knew exactly when to use it. The stories are endless.

Dick married Janice Myers Connolly on Sept. 24th, 1988, in Warren, Connecticut and became a part of the family along with her children, Ty Eastman, Tia (Eastman) Vesser, and Jacy Fincher. After retiring, Dick and Jan moved to Sun Willows in Pasco, WA, where Dick enjoyed countless hours of golf, scoring a hole-in-one in 2010. They were also fortunate to be able to travel extensively, eventually purchasing a small Winnebago leading to many years of exploring with friends. While they visited several countries, it should be no surprise that Dick’s favorite was Ireland. He often said, “All they want to do is invite you in, buy you a pint, and sing you a song.” He loved the people, the scenery, the attitude, and took an immediate liking to a cold Jameson and Ginger!

Dick’s favorite activity though, might have been his annual hunting trip to the Naneum Basin in the Colockum area of Washington State. Ellis Whiteside, an early apprentice of Dick’s and best friend, was the camp chef who fed their group like kings, preparing the likes of biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, prime rib, smoked turkey, roast pork and lasagna. Their grocery bill was likely higher than their hunting expenses and usually reaped better rewards. One year they even built a make-shift shower which became the object of ridicule (and eventually reluctant envy) with nearby camps.

Dick was deeply proud of all his children and their families, both those he raised and those he welcomed into his life. He is survived by son, Richard and wife Kirsten, daughter Jean and husband Scott Lampert, son Chris and wife Shannon. He is also survived by brothers Ray and wife Eileen, Jack and wife Nancy, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father John, his mother “Mickie,” and sister Honey.

A celebration of life will be held at Einan’s Event Center, 915 Bypass Hwy., Richland, WA, on Saturday, March 28th from 3–7pm, for stories, love, laughter, and food! His family would love it if you would join us in the Irish tradition of “Wearin’ o’ the Green.”