Stephen Barry Connolly

It is with heavy hearts and appreciation for a life exceptionally lived, the family of Stephen Barry Connolly, loving and devoted husband of Marguerite Connolly, announce his peaceful passing which occurred on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Steve was surrounded by love as he was in his whole life.

Born in Charlottetown, PEI on March 13, 1942, he was the son of the late Stephen and Lae Connolly. In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Marg, he is survived by his children Shayne Connolly (Lynn), Kellie Campbell (Dennis) and Tracey Connolly; his cherished “six pack” Baelie (Ricky), Jack, Matt, Rylee, Logan and Sydney; siblings Mary Murphy (Gene), Allan “Postie (Peggy), Paul (Etta), Mike (Fran) and Dave; sisters-in-law Irene Shean and Bernadette Paquet; many nieces and nephews, colleagues and friends.

Steve’s career started as an Educator. He spent 21 years teaching and providing guidance (primarily at Colonel Gray) to many students that today have said his advice was life changing. From there he took the bold move to the business world in 1983 with Sun Life of Canada as a financial advisor where he went on to receive several prestigious awards. Steve and son Shayne founded a successful insurance brokerage firm, Connolly Group in 1998. His career in Life Insurance impacted the lives of thousands of families and businesses.

Steve was an avid lover of sports, especially basketball. His love for the UPEI Panthers was unwavering. From years of cheering the teams on, to homemade meals and fundraising initiatives that helped shape the program for the athletes. Steve loved golfing, fishing, racket ball and swimming, but his happiest hours were spent around the card table with family and friends.

His nature was to give back to his deep-rooted ties to the Island community. He always put others in need first and spent many years fundraising for causes that were near and dear to his heart. Steve and his wife helped shape many couples through marriage counselling and gave tirelessly to numerous charities including:

-Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

-Appin Road Day Camp

-Seniors College of PEI

-Stars for Life Foundation

-Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation Board

-Gold Cup and Saucer Parade Committee

-UPEI Panther Booster Club

-And many more too numerous to mention

Some of his proud accomplishments include:

-Life and Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Round Table

-Sun Life Financial Advisor Hall of Fame

-Rotary Mentorship Award

His admiration and respect for the healthcare professionals in Halifax and Charlottetown was highlighted in 2007 when he encountered a near death cardiac experience. He has accredited these wonderful doctors and nurses to saving his life on numerous occasions.

He loved his family fiercely, his devoted love of his life Marg, and his three children, but his heart was filled with special love for his grandkids. They brought so much joy to his world and he was profoundly proud of each and every one of them and their accomplishments. They will miss him dearly, but he will live on in them forever, guiding them silently and watching over them.

A celebration of an exceptional life will be held at the Delta Hotel, 18 Queen Street, Charlottetown, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. The formal portion of the program will commence at 3:15 with remembrance of Steve. This will be livestreamed via the following link Livestream. No prior visitation.  We will be hosting his life in amazing Irish fashion with a perfect toast send off. For those of you who can’t be with us, we will be live streaming this and a link will be uploaded to the obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Steve’s memory may be made to the QEH Foundation.