Heartbreaking ‘forever loved & cherished’ tribute to Irish dad-of-two who died suddenly in New York as huge funds raised

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for an Irish dad-of-two who passed away suddenly in New York earlier this month.

Joseph ‘Joe’ Patrick Connolly, 51, who originally is from Newbridge, Co Kildare but had been living in New York in the USA, sadly died on June 1.

Joe moved to New York in 2000 and soon found a welcoming home in the Sunnyside Gardens community in the borough of Queens.

The “proud” Kildare native quickly became woven into the fabric of his neighbourhood, as evidenced by his honour of serving as the Flag Bearer for the Irish Dancing and Music Association of New York at the NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade in 2023.

The 51-year-old, who passed away “unexpectedly” on June 1, is will be “forever loved and cherished” by his beloved wife, Fallon, and his two children, his son Cillian, 19, and his daughter Cai, 16.

He is also survived by his devoted parents in Newbridge, Joe Snr and Mary, his sister Aileen, his nephew Matthew, his niece Emer, and a broad, loving family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Joe’s wife Fallon has launched a fundraiser campaign to support the family as they face the challenges presented by their sudden loss.

She said the campaign was created to “help support Cillian and Cai’s education future in the years ahead.”

The ‘In Loving Memory of Joseph “Joe” P. Connolly‘ GoFundMe has so far raised over €36,045 ($41,724) at the time of writing.

In a moving tribute, Joe’s wife Fallon said: “Joseph P Connolly was taken from us far too soon, passing away unexpectedly on June 1, 2026.

“Affectionately known to many as “Activity Joe,” there wasn’t a club, sport, or community event he wasn’t involved in.

“He was a pillar of the community and will be deeply missed by his wide circle of friends and neighbors.

“His athletic journey began in his youth with Sarsfields GAA club and Liffey Celtic FC.”

She continued: “His presence will be irreplaceable among Shamrocks Soccer Club, Shannon Gaels, his Tuesday indoor soccer crew, the movie club, the camping crew, the golf guys, his running, kayaking and swimming groups, and everyone he shared the road with during the Five Boro Bike Tours.

“Joe made time for everyone and everything, leaving a lasting impression on all whose paths he crossed throughout his widely traveled, vibrant life.

“We will remember him not just for the length of his life, but for the incredible bonds he shared with all of us.”

Sarsfields GAA Club in Newbridge, Kildare also took to social media to pay moving tributes to the dad-of-two heavily involved with the club.

They said: “Sarsfields GAA Club sends condolences to the Connolly family on the sad passing of former club footballer Joe Connolly who died in New York.”

Joe’s funeral took place this weekend in New York.

Dozens of messages of support flooded in on social media for the heartbroken family, with one saying: “Grew up with Joe and the memories just keep flooding back – what an incredible person he was.”

Someone else added: “Deepest condolences to Joe’s parents and family. Heartbreaking news. Joe’s was a true gentleman. May he rest in peace.”

A third wrote: “May you rest in peace Joe – a really nice person. My sincere condolences to all Joe’s family and friends.”