Marty died peacefully, surrounded by his family on August 1st, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. Marty was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on March 24, 1951, to R.E. “Bob” and Mary Ann Connealy. He was raised in Gordon, Nebraska and graduated from Gordon High School in 1969. Marty received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN in 1973. While studying for the LSAT in Omaha, Marty would meet the love of his life, Theresa “Terri” Engels, and they were married on August 20, 1975. The couple lived in Lincoln where Marty attended Law School at the University of Nebraska. He graduated in 1977 and the family moved to western Nebraska, eventually landing in Chadron. Marty began his law career as the Dawes County Attorney before joining the firm of Crites and Shaffer where he would spend the next 30 years in practice. Marty was an outstanding litigator, and he worked tirelessly to serve his clients throughout the region. He was well-respected by his peers and would serve on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys as well as the Nebraska Bar Association.
Marty and Terri raised five children in Chadron, living there until a move to Omaha when Marty retired from his law practice in 2017. Marty was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting and fishing with his friends. He made more than a dozen trips to Alaska to fish, and in the fall and winter months you would often find him walking a field hunting pheasant. Marty loved coaching and attending his children’s sporting events. His love for the games of basketball and golf would be passed down to his children and grandchildren. Marty was involved in the community serving on the Chadron Public School Board, St. Patrick’s Parish Council, and the Chadron State College Foundation. One of Marty’s greatest passions in his later years was serving our veterans. He co-founded the local Honor Flight Program, and although not a veteran himself, Marty felt a profound duty to honor those who served our country. Marty was a regular volunteer in his community and provided longstanding support to local charities and first responders including the Chadron Police Department and Volunteer Fire Department. Marty believed in always doing what was right and he lived his life by that creed.
Marty is survived by his loving wife Terri. August 20th would have seen them married for 49 years. Marty and Terri were inseparable for their entire married life. Their love and commitment served as an example for all who have known them. Marty is also survived by his five children Genavieve Gillis (Josh), Dan (Tovah) Connealy, Tim (Natasha) Connealy, Mary Landen (Erich), and Bridget Bliefernich (Mark); as well as his 16 grandchildren (Sophia, Caden, Mallory, Rhone, Nolan, Tobin, Audrey, Cella, Brycen, Ryleigh, Nealy, Brendan, Jax, Callum, Isla and Ada). Marty is survived by several siblings Micki Heitz (John), Bridget Halvorson, Mary Goulette (Paul), Jim (Holly) Connealy, Catie Shields (Kevin), as well as numerous extended family members. Marty is preceded in death by his parents (Bob and Mary Ann); his brother, Tim; niece, Carly, and brother-in law, Dwight Halvorson.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider a donation that will be used to fund Alzheimer’s research through the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Vigil Services for Patrick “Marty” Connealy will be Monday August 19, at 7 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Omaha. Visitation from 5-7.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday August 20 at 10:30 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Omaha.