Matt Connolly attended OLPH parish in South Ozone Park with his brother Brian, Patrick and his only sister, Deirdre. The value of a catholic education was instilled in our family by our hard working, immigrant parents, Mattie, and Bridget, who are in attendance here this evening. The emphasis on a great education spanned 8 wonderful years in grammar school and then carried on through the next four years at Monsignor McClancy HS.
Along with a great education, Matt learned that the value of hard work, family and faith were paramount to our family. Matt and his siblings all learned life’s lessons working in a wonderful restaurant called Regents Row, in Kew Gardens Queens, for many of their teenage years. Matt, Brian, and Patrick were all busboys, while sister Deirdre was a coat check girl and then later became a bartender. Matt remains friends with his former employer and several former employees that he had the pleasure working with over those valuable years.
After graduating from McClancy, Matt enrolled in Queensboro CC to go to school and to begin his next sports challenge of learning how to become a college pitcher. Matt’s coach at QCC, Lou Santos, would prove have a tremendous impact on his career and life. Lou taught Matt what it took to become a better student and player and person. Matt’s progress would gain the attention of college and professional scouts, and the next chapter was about to start. Matt would then go onto to play for legendary baseball coach, Bob Hirschfield, for the rest of his college career. It was at NY Tech that Matt also met pitching coach and mentor, Pat Shortt. Matt always looks back at all his coaches with gratitude and appreciation and will forever be grateful for their sacrifice and dedication.
After traveling the country as a minor-league ball player for 6 years, Matt’s baseball career ended after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The saying goes, “As one door closes, another door opens “came to fruition. While recovering from surgery and trying to make a baseball comeback, Matt was offered a nighttime bartending job while rehabbing during the day. Unfortunately, Matt never regained the velocity or form necessary to compete at the professional level, so his career was over, and another career was about to begin.
Matt has owned and operated Connolly’s Corner Bar and Restaurant since 2001. Matt enjoys the challenges, the teamwork that is required to be successful, and of course people. Over the course of the last 22 years, we have met many different challenges, but we have persevered. Matt is quick to remember his playing days at McClancy as being a huge contributing factor in being prepared for the tough times and the hospitality industry. Teamwork is the first quality that is imperative to the restaurant industry. McClancy certainly paved the way for Matt’s understanding of what teamwork entails, and it shines through every single day!
Matt is thrilled to see the transformation of the school, the athletic facilities, and the overall growth in general. It is also great to see former teachers and classmates each year at school functions and outside the school.
Mom and Dad, thank you both so much for all your sacrifices for each of your children. Thank you for providing us with such a loving home for all those years. Thank you for demanding that we got a catholic education, served mass as altar servers, and played CYO sports! None of us could be where we are without your constant dedication to your jobs and to your family. Thank you for showing what it means to work hard, have faith, and understand that family is everything!
Lastly, Matt claims his own family as his biggest accomplishment thus far. To his beautiful wife Daria, daughters Kate and Lauren and his son, Matt Jr., thanks for always being so supportive and for being exactly who you are all are today. Matt could not be prouder of the family we have become!