Walter F. Gus Connolly, of Carbondale, PA., died Wednesday morning, April 7, 2010 at Mercy Hospice, Scranton, PA. He was the husband of the former Marguerite Mackrell. They were married for 58 years. Born in Carbondale, PA., he was the son of the late Thomas and Margaret Peg (Howard) Connolly. He was a graduate of the Benjamin Franklin High School, Carbondale and was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War having served in the Navy. He had been employed as a psychiatric security aid at Farview State Hospital in Waymart, PA., and prior to that he was a terminal manager for various trucking lines. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale. He enjoyed his visits to the OTB at the Downs at Carbondale and spending time with his many friends there. The family would like to thank Dr. Mario Sebastianelli and the staff of Marian Community Hospital and Mercy Hospital for the exceptional and compassionate care given to Walter. He is survived by seven children: Martin Connolly and wife Karen of Omaha, NB., Ann Brownell and husband Bruce of Catasaqua, PA., Susan Payton and husband Doug of Oneonta, NY., Carole Orr and husband Jeff of Clarks Summit, PA., Joanie Martines and husband Joseph of Carbondale, PA., Mimi Gray and husband Bob Chopper of Simpson, PA. and Shawn Connolly and wife Nellie of Carbondale, PA.; he was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren: Jimmy, Tricia, Joseph, Ryan, Erin, Matthew, Benjamin, Conor, Emily, Christopher, Brian, Bridget, Shawn E., Aniela and Eliana; one great grandson, Brennan; one sister: Mary Bartholomay of Virginia; one brother: Newell Connolly of Newton Lake, PA.; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son: Jimmy Connolly; one sister: Rita Levitt; five brothers: Howard, Jack, Kenneth, Paul and Thomas Connolly. The funeral was held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 8:30 AM from the Edward A. Wade Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 4 Morris Place at Terrace Street, Carbondale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 AM in St. Rose of Lima Church, 6 N. Church Street, Carbondale. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA. Friends called Friday, April 9, 2010 from 4-8 PM. Pallbearers: Joseph Connolly - grandson, Bob Chopper Gray, Joseph Martines, Bruce Brownell, Doug Payton and Jeff Orr - all son-in-laws. Military honor guard was provided by the Simpson VFW Post 4712.