Reginald "Reggie" L. Connelly Sr., 77, passed away on July 11, 2023, from previous heart issues.  Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his heart left a beacon of light for his family and community.

Reggie was born and raised in Akron, Ohio and attended Akron Public Schools.  He was an outstanding football player at Hower High School, even though the coaches showed disparate treatment towards African American Players.  Reggie was given the task to run the ball down the field, but not the glory to carry the ball in the end-zone.

Reggie worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 37 years, retiring in 2002.  In his spare time, Reggie was the 2nd Director for The South Rangers Pee-Wee Association where he kept meticulous records and had the football teams and cheerleaders looking grand without being in debt.  He was also a coach for the Rangers for 20 years. He was an active member of Eastern Star Phoenix Chapter No. 96 and Phoenix Lodge No. 112 until his health started to decline.  In 2009 Reggie was 1 of 100 Black Males honored by the Akron Chapter of The Ohio Black Women's Leadership Caucus.

Reggie is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife; Brenda Noel, daughters; Robbie "Peachez" Connelly, Ranea (Charles) Williams, son; Reggie Jr., the twinkle in his eyes, one and only grandchild; Taylor R.H. "Baby" Williams, sisters; Theodoria Connelly, Twila Herring, Stephanie Lewis, Heather Connelly, brother; Theodore Connelly Jr., brother-in-law; James "Sonny" Noel, lifetime friend; Johnny Hall and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.