USAF Msgt. Robert (Bobby) E. Connelly, Jr.

USAF MSgt. Robert (Bobby) E. Connelly, Jr.

 August 20, 1980 – May 5, 2017

Age: 36

Robert E. Connelly Jr. was born in Anaheim, CA. He graduated high school in 1998 and joined the USAF January 13, 1999 as a Security Forces Defender and currently served as a First Sergeant at Offutt AFB, Neb. During his deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008-2009 he trained Iraqi police on law enforcement operations, crime scene preservation, and patrol tactics. Sgt. Connelly conducted 131 combat missions, traveling a combined 3,700 miles throughout Baghdad Rasheed’s district in a mission that was, at the time, considered to be the most dangerous Security Forces mission in their history. He was instrumental in saving the life of an insurgent injured in an IED blast, gaining additional intelligence for future operations. Master Sergeant Connelly passed unexpectedly on Friday May 5, 2017. During his military career, Bobby served at McChord AFB, Tacoma WA, RAF Mildenhall, England, Cannon AFB, Clovis NM and Offutt AFB, Omaha NE. As a member of the Security Forces Bobby served as a Raven out of McChord AFB. Bobby had a passion for travel, music, painting and hot rods.

Bobby was preceded in death by Grandmother Marie Williams. Survived by wife Shantae; children Savana Mae, Mickey Danger, Davin Riot and Vida Love; parents Robert and Michelle Connelly, Sr.; sister Amber Connelly; in-laws Jim and Sherrie Nicholson; many other loving family and friends.

Visitation: 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, May 12, at Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel

Memorials: will be directed by the family

Military Honors: Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard

23 Comments

  • Ryan Gress Posted May 10, 2017 9:18 pm

    I’ll miss you buddy, thanks for showing me the ropes in Security Forces out at McChord!

  • Micah Schweinsberg Posted May 10, 2017 9:42 pm

    I love you brother and will be there.

  • William Skwarlo Posted May 10, 2017 9:59 pm

    My sincere condolences to you and the kids. Bobby was an awesome friend, husband, father, mentor, and leader. I really wish I could be there to help celebrate Bobby and how much of an impact he had on many people. I loved getting to go on raven missions with him. I have him to thank for becoming a raven and getting the awesome time to learn from him. Rest easy brother we have the watch. Till Valhalla.

  • Jerome Barrett Posted May 10, 2017 10:04 pm

    My condolences go to his family.. Bobby is an amazing person and true born leader. From when i met him in 2011, he has and will always be the best and bravest! We’ll miss him!

  • Karran Elmore Posted May 11, 2017 12:10 am

    Very sorry to hear of your loss. May God’s love and comfort sustain you and your family through this difficult time.

  • Adrian Posted May 11, 2017 1:23 am

    My condolences to his family, what a great mentor in the Security Forces field.

  • Terry Armstead Posted May 11, 2017 6:59 am

    Rest in peace fellow Defender

  • Tsgt. Ron Pulley USAF Intel. Posted May 11, 2017 7:42 am

    A slow ordered measured salute; present arms, hold 1 minute, order arms. 1 minute of silent prayer.

  • Lauraj Posted May 11, 2017 8:58 am

    I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. May the God of all comfort sustain you as you await the promises found at John 5:28,29 and Rev. 21:4 where God promises to do away with all the things that cause us suffering and pain including death here on the earth forever. (Psalm 37:29) It is my sincere hope that these thoughts comfort your family at this time.

    Lauraj

  • Chris Dail Posted May 11, 2017 1:29 pm

    Sending strength and prayers to his family. I am thankful for our friendship. Truly one of the best! RIP buddy.

  • D. Vick Posted May 11, 2017 3:00 pm

    RIP Warrior, until Valhalla

  • Lila Saller Posted May 11, 2017 4:35 pm

    My condolences to all the family. So sorry for your loss.
    Thank you MSGT Bobby Connelly for your service. God bless you.

  • Sara and Melvin Stodden Posted May 11, 2017 5:33 pm

    Our deepest condolences to the family. We are a airforce stong family.

  • The Benners Posted May 11, 2017 6:45 pm

    God gained another Angel . I’m sorry he had to leave so soon but just know he will be watching down on his loving family.

  • TSGT (Ret) Fred Ermel 55 SPS Posted May 11, 2017 8:36 pm

    RIP fellow Defender, your tour is done. We got it from here. Your six is covered.

  • Johnie Wood Posted May 11, 2017 8:54 pm

    Rest in Peace Defender.

  • Victor Birchfield Posted May 11, 2017 11:13 pm

    Godspeed Defender….

  • Dee Staten Posted May 12, 2017 12:44 am

    As God welcomes him home, may the holy Spirit sustain, and give you comfort

  • SMSgt Tracy Cornett Posted May 12, 2017 8:05 am

    My condolences to the family of MSgt Connelly. May God comfort you during this time. You are in my prayers. Thank you for your service MSgt Connelly. The First Sergeant community is with you all the way brother. May God Bless this family and a grateful nation.

  • Angela Schreifels Posted May 12, 2017 11:36 am

    My deepest condolences goes out to the family. Thank you for all your service. Bobby you will be missed.

  • Brian and Sheila Hjelmervik Posted May 12, 2017 5:21 pm

    I just found out about Bobby’s life departure this morning from my neighbor. We have been next door neighbors to Bobby’s parents for 21 years. I just keep remembering Bobby as this 15-year old teenage
    kid I saw graduate from high school, get married, and join the Air Forcd.

    I am beyond shocked, devastated, and hurt by such an active happy young family man “here one day and gone the next.” Scripture tells us that tomorrow is promised to no-one.

    I petition Heaven’s most high throne of grace, to envelop this immediate and extended family in HIS loving, caring, and consoling arms. May HE put a Heavenly hedge of Holy protection around their hearts and minds. May HE fill this void, that HE can fill, with wonderful memories, love, and the appreciation of the life of this young man; this husband, father, son, brother, proud serviceman, and friend.

    All these things I ask in the name of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST!

  • TJ Posted May 13, 2017 9:08 am

    So very sorry for the loss of your Dear loved one. No doubt this is a difficult time for the family. May you put faith in the promises found at Isaiah 26:19 & Psalm 37:29 and allow those word to give you hope and comfort you.

  • Brad Wilson Posted July 27, 2017 6:42 pm

    I was stationed with Bobby with the 62 SFS. Even though its been over a decade being there I still remember how he carried himself with honor and respect My condolences for the family. He truly will be missed.

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