John Peter Connolly, 86, a resident of Kennebunk and former longtime Clerk Magistrate of Suffolk Superior Court for Civil Business, died Sunday, March 11, 2018 after a period of failing health.

John was born in Boston July 30, 1931, a son of Mark and Catherine McDonough Connolly, and attended Boston Public Schools. Drafted into the US Army, he served from 1952 – 54 during the Korean War, where his division was stationed on Heartbreak Ridge. Among the medals he earned were the Combat Infantry Badge and two Bronze Service Stars.

Returning to the Boston area, he attended college on the G I Bill, taking classes at Suffolk University and New England School of Law, earning his J.D. John was employed by Suffolk Superior Court, where he was Clerk Magistrate for Civil Business, retiring in 1997after 42 years of service.

John loved his family and was very proud of his children and their successes in school and their varied endeavors in life.

He is predeceased by his son John Peter Jr in 2012 and his brother, Mark.

Survivors include his wife Sherrin Burns Connolly of Kennebunk, a son Timothy Edwin Connolly of Mansfield, MA, a daughter Jane Ellen Tully and her husband Edward of Brooklyn, NY, two grandchildren Daniel Smith Tully and Caitlin Burns Tully, both of New York, a brother Thomas Connolly of Braintree MA and Alton Bay, NH, and two sisters Catherine Connolly of Braintree and Mary Sullivan of Weymouth.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday, April 7, at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Martha’s Church. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk.

In lieu of flowers, the Family encourages memorial contributions to your local food bank or to a charity of your choice.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit John’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043. www.bibberfuneral.com