Terry Connolly

Terry Connolly, age 62, passed away unexpectedly on December 15th, 2025 at his home in Yakima, WA. We imagine he was met by many animals from the rainbow bridge upon arriving at Heaven’s Gates because he attracted animals everywhere he went.

Terry graduated from Western Kentucky University with a B.A. in Accounting. His employment took him to Washington state, where he lived about 25 years working at several manufacturing firms; not always at typical locations, such as working at a zinc mine in a remote location. Those who have worked with Terry say he was a problem solver and a hard worker.

Terry was an avid fisherman and spent a lot of time on the Columbia River and Potholes Reservoir fishing for Walleye driving several hours each way on weekends. He was a huge animal lover greeting every animal he met like a friend, and they all loved him back! Terry could be feisty with his viewpoints but was a teddy bear, approachable with a great sense of humor, and he cared deeply about the people around him.

Terry is preceded in death by his mother, Pam Connolly. Terry preceded his father’s passing by only a couple days. His father, Les, was extremely ill in the hospital unaware of Terry’s death, passing himself two days later. We imagine Terry was there to greet Les upon his arrival at Heaven’s Gates.

Terry is survived by his sister, Dana James; close childhood friend and brother-in-law, Burke James III; nephews, Dustin and Devin; aunts, many cousins; and his cats, Nadia and Ms. Beasley.

We would like to thank his coworkers at Yakama Forest Products (where Terry worked at the time of his passing) and his Yakama friends that cared about and supported Terry. We thank them for their kindness and support to our family as well, making a difficult time less stressful with their kindness and generosity. We also want to thank Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah, WA for all the arrangements made there for Terry with care.

Terry, and his father Leslie Connolly, will be laid to rest at Reid Hill Cemetery in Granger Township. The committal service will be held 1 P.M. FRIDAY January 9th, 2026. Following the committal, friends and family are cordially invited to a reception from 2-4 P.M. at Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s, 1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, OH 44313.

Services in care of Valley Hills Funeral Home (Yakima, WA) and The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)