Bernard J. Connaghan, Sr.

Bernard J. Connaghan, Sr., known to friends and family as Bernie or Ben, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 21st, 2018 in his Wyncote, PA home at age 83. He died while holding the hand of his loving wife of 49 years, Sarah Ann (née Kenny). In addition to his wife Sarah Ann, he is survived by his loving children Bernard, Jr. (Tricia), Ann Marie Connaghan (Mickey Wargo), and Sean (Michelle); his sisters Frances Robison and Theresa McNerney; his nine grandchildren, Hannah, Seamus, Emma, Cait, Shane, Liam, Lainey, Carolyn, and Declan; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Bernie was born in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA on December 5th, 1934, to the late Della (Mullee) and Hugh Connaghan, and was the eighth of twelve children. He had three brothers: Hugh, Jimmy, and Tommy, and eight sisters: Marion, Fran, Pat, Catherine, Anna, Rita, Eileen, and Theresa. He met his wife Sarah Ann Connaghan (née Kenny) through his school friends, and married her on October 11th, 1969 at Our Mother of Consolation Church in Chestnut Hill. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the reserves for several years, and worked for NAPA Auto Parts from 17 years old until he retired. He was a member of Immaculate Conception BVM Church in Jenkintown, PA. Bernie’s family and friends remember him as a gentle, sensitive, patient, and loving man. He enjoyed listening to classical music and, in his youth, going swing dancing with his sister Eileen. Ever a wanderer, he loved taking walks, and after his retirement would often take the train and roam the city. He was an avid reader of detective novels and the daily newspaper, and enjoyed watching old movies, feeding the birds in his backyard, and spending time with his family. Bernie was often a source of encouragement and guidance for many of his friends. He left his grandchildren with many fond memories of his silly jokes, going out to breakfast, and listening to little stories about characters he called “the Pickletoe and the Munchkin.” His peculiar sense of humor kept his loved ones laughing even in his final days. His quiet humor and gentle patience will be greatly missed by all. A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, November 28th, 2018 and again from 9 AM to 10 AM on Thursday, November 29th, both at Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home, 507 West Ave. in Jenkintown, PA. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 29th at Immaculate Conception BVM Church in Jenkintown. His interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery following the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be made at www.mcgoldrickfh.com.