HOLDEN – John “Jocko” Yahner Connolly, M.D., died at the age of 71 after a courageous and hard fought battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) on July 30th, 2018 at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. He was born September 10th, 1946 in Stamford, CT, the son of Joseph P Connolly and Agnes Y Connolly. His sense of humor, giving spirit, and loyal friendship will be missed by many.

Jocko graduated from Villanova University in 1969. Following graduation, he served as Sergeant of Artillery in the Connecticut National Guard. He then attended Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara during which time he met the love of his life, his wife, Marybeth Goulet-Connolly, whom he married September 19th, 1981.

Upon graduating medical school in 1978, Jocko spent a year of post graduate study performing clinical rotations in various specialties at the University of Connecticut Medical School. From 1980-1981, Jocko served as a medical intern at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, CT. Following this, he spent three years of radiology residency at St Vincent’s Medical Center, a Yale University affiliate, in Bridgeport, CT. An American College of Radiology board certified radiologist, he completed an additional year as a Fellow in Diagnostic Radiology.

Jocko practiced general radiology at Millinocket Regional Hospital from 1984-2016. During this time, he served as President of the Maine Radiologic Society from 1993-1994, nominated and elected as a Fellow of the American Radiologic Society, and served as President of the Medical Staff at Millinocket Regional Hospital several times over the course of his career. He also served as the State Medical Examiner in the Millinocket and Bangor area until his death.

Wanting to contribute to his community, Jocko served on the St Martin of Tours Parish Council, was his daughter’s basketball coach, and was most proud of having achieved his Eagle Scout award.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Michael Connolly. Survivors include his loving girls, his wife Marybeth Goulet-Connolly, and two daughters, Sarah Connolly of Nashville, and Laura Connolly of Boston, as well as, his beloved pooch and constant companion, Bella and grand-pup Sophie. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Connolly and his wife, Patricia, sister-in-law, Nancy Connolly, cousin, Jackie Connolly, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Jocko treasured his many loving and close friendships. He loved his Radiologic Techs dearly.

His family would like to thank the MICU doctors and nurses and the Transplant team at the Brigham and Women’s hospital, the staff at the Vanderbilt Pulmonary Rehab, and Dr. Dixon and Dr. Rock who worked tirelessly to help Jocko through his battle with IPF. We appreciate all that you’ve done.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7p.m., Friday, August 3, 2018, at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main Street, Brewer. A funeral Mass will be held 2 p.m., Saturday August 4, 2018, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor. All are invited to share conversation and refreshments at the Connolly residence immediately following the service, Saturday. Those who wish to remember Jocko in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org, or the Shaw House of Bangor, P.O. Box 1578, Bangor, ME 04402. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com