The Reverend David Lee Connelly, a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, Itinerant Elder, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and godfather completed his earthly journey and peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on May 31, 2026.
The Early Years
On a beautiful Friday morning, November 3, 1944, in the quiet town of Okahumpka, Florida, a precious child was welcomed into the world by his loving parents, The Rev. Thomas Moses Connelly (deceased) and Deaconess Elizabeth Connelly (deceased). Even from birth, it was clear that he was uniquely gifted. The transparency of his parents’ prayers for wisdom and discernment for their children empowered him to see, at an early age, that he wanted “that” wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ. Those prayers enabled him to see, through spiritual lenses, the difference between right and wrong and good and evil. His inquisitive mind and eagerness to learn carried a spark that hinted at the purpose and calling God had woven into his story. These attributes would follow him throughout his remarkable life.
Rev. Connelly was part of a large and loving family. He learned early how to love deeply, give generously and stand strong in faith. He had a very strong bond with his parents and each of his siblings. That strong bond shaped him into the compassionate, thoughtful, and generous man that became his signature.
Rev. Connelly was the sixth of fifteen children. His brothers, Presiding Elder John E. Connelly (10/24/1995), Colonel Norris L. Connelly (01/19/2011), and Ulysses F. Connelly (01/10/25) made the heavenly journey before him. While he grieved their loss, he held onto the promise of eternal life and has joyfully reunited with them in the heavenly reunion.
Education
As a young child, Rev. David Lee Connelly’s curiosity and unrelenting determination were so strong that, after several attempts to keep him from entering the school building because he was too young, he was finally welcomed to 1st grade at the early age of five. With God-given wisdom beyond his years, he excelled in every subject and selflessly helped those who needed additional support.
In 1961, Rev. Connelly graduated, with honors, from Carver Heights High School, Leesburg, Florida, and was a proud member of the marching Trojans. He was an exceptionally great drummer and occasionally played drums during worship.
Rev. Connelly was always driven by his passion for understanding and uplifting others. He matriculated to Florida A & M University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology which prepared him for a lifetime of understanding, encouraging and ministering to others. He was a proud FAMU Rattler and proudly wore his orange and green.
Rev. David L. Connelly attended the Columbia University School of Social Work in New York and upon receiving the Call to the Ministry, he enrolled in the International Theological Seminary in Plymouth, FL. He received numerous workshop certificates and Institute Training that enhanced his ministry.
Love, Marriage, Children
Rev. David Connelly’s story is rooted in humble beginnings, lifted by determination and crowned with love. It is a story that continues to inspire all who were blessed to share life with him. He loved his family beyond measure and supported their dreams and aspirations.
In God’s perfect timing, on September 15, 1978, at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, Bushnell, FL, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Jacobs, an amazingly loving woman who walked beside him, prayed for and with him, dreamed dreams with him, and helped him build a home grounded in faith and unwavering love. They became the proud parents of four intellectual, attentive and industrious children. He was known as “PaPa to his endearing grandchildren and was sadden by the loss of his oldest grandson, David V. Connelly, Jr., who entered eternal rest on May6, 2006. He was delighted and honored to become a great-grandfather to his charming great-grandchildren. He reflected the Father’s heart by being present for his family in every season of their lives. His family is a living testimony to the love and legacy God allowed him to establish.
His Career
Rev. Connelly was a public servant and his love for helping others extended to a managerial level when he became the first Black Operations Program Administrator (OPA) for the Department of Children and Families. For 30 years, he championed the needs of the most vulnerable, working tirelessly to ensure families had access to support, protection and hope. He retired in 1999 to devote his full focus on his ministry.
On August 23, 1979, he received his first pastoral appointment at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, Lisbon, FL. He loved pastoring and was also blessed with pastoral appointments for Bethel A.M.E. Church, Umatilla, FL, St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, Leesburg, FL, New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Orlando, FL, Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Winter Park, FL, Historic Bethel A.M.E. Church, St. Petersburg, FL, Mt. Zion A.M.E., Daytona Beach, FL, and prior to his retiring from the ministry, he was honored to return to St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, Leesburg, FL.
Rev. David Connelly was a trailblazer and an “out of the box” thinker. He was a passionate and an approachable pastor – one who consistently provided encouragement and support to all members and advocated for youth to be all that God called them to be.
He served faithfully as the Secretary of the Central Florida Conference and was acknowledged for his proficiency and timeliness in capturing the minutes and having them ready for next day distribution.
A Public Servant
From the very beginning, God crafted him with intention. God poured into him curiosity, wisdom, tenderness and a spirit that radiated love. His life was a beautiful reflection of God’s faithfulness. Every chapter of his journey testified to a Savior who walks with His children, blesses their steps, and uses their lives to touch others in lasting meaningful ways.
In 1986, Rev. David L. Connelly made history for being the first Black elected City Commissioner of the City of Leesburg, FL. This achievement broke barriers and paved the way for men and women of color to follow in his footsteps. He was known as a mediator and for his peaceful and thoughtful approach to finding solutions in trying situations. In 1989, he became the first Black Mayor of the City. In this groundbreaking role, he did not seek power nor recognition, but peaceful progress, always approaching leadership with humility and a heart to serve. He was the governor’s appointee to the ABLE Trust, a board that promotes employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the state of Florida. He was also a member of the Florida Lemon Law Board, a board that protected consumers who purchase a new vehicle that turns out to have mechanical issues.
His influence reached beyond the chambers of City Hall. His civic contributions are etched into the landscape of Leesburg. He was instrumental in the successful effort to name a street after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This act of service helped to ensure that the values of justice, courage, and equality remain visible for generations to come.
Rev. David L. Connelly was a man with noteworthy accomplishments, but above all, he was a man of God. He served the Lord with Gladness and entered into His courts with thanksgiving. He was a man that walked with kings but never lost the common touch to guiding congregations, serving his country or supporting his community, Rev. Connelly modeled what it meant to walk by faith and in love with compassion, humility and a heart to serve both God and His people. He opened doors and paved roads for others. He faithfully shepherded congregations and throughout it all, Rev. Connelly maintained a peaceful countenance that reflected the heart of Christ.
Service to His Country
Immediately after graduating from college, Rev. Connelly enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Army Reserve as a 2 Lieutenant.
Greek Life
May 09, 2015, in Ocala Florida, Rev. Connelly was initiated in the Psi Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His greatest pleasure was being initiated with his son, David V. Connelly, brother, Ulysses F. Connelly and nephew, Darryl E. Connelly, II.
His Legacy Continues
Rev. David Lee Connelly leaves to cherish and embrace his legacy, a loving and affectionate wife of 47 years, Dorothy J. Connelly, who walked with him through sickness and in health. His Children: Capucine Connelly Kennedy (George), Jacksonville FL; David V. Connelly (Andrea), Clermont, FL; Nichelle Connelly Simmons (Austin), St. Petersburg, FL; Chermark Antwone Connelly (Tonya), Leesburg, FL. Grandchildren: Pertoria Kennedy, Dishauna Kennedy Kirksey (Eddie, Jr.), Yvonne Kennedy London (Victor), Jacksonville, FL; Thalia Kennedy, Atlanta, GA. Matthew Kennedy – (E3 U.S. Navy), Yokosuka, Japan; Michael Connelly (Shari), Diamond Connelly, Breanna Porter, Marquez Porter, Denzel Jones, Leesburg, FL; Javonte Bailey, Ft. Myers, FL; Jana Connelly, Tampa, FL; Madison Connelly, Apopka, FL; Cornelius Simmons, Nekayla Simmons, St. Petersburg, FL; Austin Simmons, Jr. (Rick), Ellijay, GA; Ashley Simmons, Wesley Chapel, FL; Great Grandchildren: Eddie Kirksey, III., Jeramiah Kirksey, Khalil Kirksey, Shakaya London, Dy-Naisha London, Tiana London, Jacksonville, FL; Javien Bailey, Javon Bailey, Jaylen Bailey, Jalani Bailey, Ft. Myers, FL; Laila Connelly, Zoe’ Connelly, Leesburg, FL Siblings: James A. Connelly (Marjorie), Maitland, FL; Dorothy Connelly Smith, Wesley Chapel, FL; Lewis Murphy Connelly, Summerfield, FL; Thomas M. Connelly, Jr., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Eloise), Tommisena G. Connelly, Yvonnie Gail Connelly, Rodney A. Connelly, Okahumpka, FL; Debbra Connelly Snow (Ray), Beverly Connelly Edwards (Harrie), Darryl E. Connelly (Janet), Leesburg, FL; Cedric L. Connelly (Shelia), Fruitland Park, FL; Mother-in- Law: Farie Jacobs, Wildwood, FL; Sisters-in-Law: Rosalyn G. Connelly, St. Petersburg, FL; Jacqueline L. Connelly, Lorton, Virginia; Lisa Jacobs, Wildwood, FL; Brother-in-Law: Joseph T. Jacobs (Doris), Wildwood, FL; a host of Nieces, Nephews, Godchildren, Cousins and Friends. Although his earthly journey has come to a close, the story God wrote through his life continues to live through those who knew and loved him.
Our hearts ache but we rejoice in the legacy he left for us. Your life has planted seeds of strength, courage, compassion and faith in each of us and we will carry everything you taught us forever. We will live our lives in a way that honors the handsome soul he was. We love and miss him so much.