Leonard B. Connelly

Leonard Connelly began a storied life of service to his country and his community by enlisting in the United States Navy in March 1945, shortly after he graduated from East Aurora High School. He trained at Boot Camp Sampson and attended a 16-week Service School at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Mr. Connelly served aboard DMS 23, a minesweeper, in the Atlantic during World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1947 as a Seaman First Class-Gunners Mate.

After his Navy service, Mr. Connelly attended the University at Buffalo, graduating in 1953 with a degree in accounting. He worked at Sylvania in Buffalo before being transferred to the Sylvania plant in Arcade, New York, which later became Motorola. During his 35-year career, Mr. Connelly served as assistant plant manager, material control manager and production control manager.

Mr. Connelly has selflessly served the Arcade community in many positions, including: Commander and Trustee of Arcade VFW Post #374; a member of American Legion Post #1720 in Bliss; Secretary of Arcade Overseas Veteran’s Club; Supervisor of the Town of Arcade; President of the Arcade Chamber of Commerce; and Chairman of the Catholic Charities Drive for 25 years. He is also an active member of his church and numerous community organizations.

In addition, Mr. Connelly has been a member of the Arcade Fire Department for over 50 years. He was named Fire Person of the Year in 1998 and continues to serve as a member of the Fire Police, responding to most of the Department’s calls.