John Gordon "Gordy" Connelly, III

John Gordon Connelly, III, age 81, affectionately known by all as “Gordy” and a man of nine lives plus of Millville, DE formerly of Essex, MD passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at his home.

Gordy was born in Baltimore, MD on November 26, 1941 son of the late John Gordon Connelly, Jr. and the late Geraldine Marie Connelly (nee Schultz).  He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Class of 1959.  Gordy worked for Bethlehem Steel in Baltimore, MD where he was a pipefitter and taught the trade before completely retiring in the early 2000’s. 

Gordy will be remembered as a man that enjoyed life and loved to socialize with all of his friends.  He was a past member of the Hawks Pleasure Club in Essex, MD and a current member of the Ocean City Pleasure Club, the Ocean City Elks, the East Sussex Moose Lodge #2542 in Roxana, DE, and a social member of the American Legion and VFW.  His home away from home was the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 4528 in Clarksville, DE.  Gordy was proud to be a charter member of that location and held several offices there.  He was just awarded lifetime honorary worthy trustee emeritus, for all the hard work and time that he has put in to make the Eagles a successfully organization here in Sussex County.  His friends and family will remember him for his love of not only people, but of his passion for karaoke and dance.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Mary Jane Connelly (nee DeCarlo) and his wife, Darlene Connelly.  He is survived by three children, Tammy Etzel and her husband, John of Manchester, MD, Sheri Calvert and her husband, Jim of Littlestown, PA and John Gordon “Gordy” Connelly, IV and his wife, Maria of Essex, MD; 7 grandchildren and soon to be 12 great grandchildren.  Gordy is also survived by two brothers, Terry Connelly and Gregory Connelly both of Essex, MD and a dear friend, JoAnn McKenzie of Frankford, DE.

A celebration of Gordy’s life will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Rd., Ocean View, DE where friends and family may gather after 11 AM.  Interment will be held privately at Millville Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com   

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