- Date Of Birth: May 31, 1957
- Date Of Death: April 22, 2020
- State: Pennsylvania
Richard J. Connolly died on April 22, 2020 in Easton, PA after a long, extended illness. Rich was born on May 31, 1957 in Paterson, NJ to James Connolly and Elizabeth “Betty” Connolly (nee Neuenhaus). Rich grew up in Totowa, NJ, and attended Delaware Valley College (now University) receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.
For 39 years, Rich was the Craftsman and Owner of Richard Connolly Folk Art, makers of Chalk Ware Holiday Collectibles using Antique German Chocolate Molds. Rich’s work has been part of The White House Christmas display and was collected for the last 14 years of her life by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and John F Kennedy Jr. His beautiful chalk ware have been prominently featured on our local PBS39 Tempo segment, Good Morning America, and The Martha Stewart Show as well as articles in Country Living Magazine, Early American Life and Colonial Homes Magazines. His chalk ware was sold in fine gift shops and galleries locally and throughout the United States. In addition to his chalk ware, Rich was known for his carved wooden decoys of ducks and geese.
Rich was seen for many years at Christkindlmarkt at the Steel Stacks in Bethlehem,Pa., painting and selling his art. He will be greatly missed by artists, staff, volunteers and patrons of Artsquest and the Banana Factory, which he dearly loved.
He loved to cook and relished the opportunity to entertain his friends and have a good time.
Rich will be remembered by family, many cousins and friends as someone with great style and a love of history, antiques, historic buildings and architecture. Rich was a passionate conversationalist with strong opinions and a most talented artist. Rich cherished the special relationship he developed with Jackie Kennedy Onassis through his chalk ware. All of his friends and family from the stories Rich told are certain that when Rich arrived at the ‘Pearly Gates’, Jackie greeted him and welcomed him personally. Rich will be missed.
Special thanks to the staff at Manor Care/Westgate for taking care of Rich in his final months and days.
