Lieutenant Charles J. Connelly

Dewitt Fire Department

Date of Death: April 30, 1947

Charles J. Connelly moved to DeWitt in 1937, settling at 107 York Road in the Upper DeWitt Shire neighborhood with his wife, Johanna, and their daughters, Lois and Dorothy. He worked as an insurance agent for the Community Union Insurance Company after earlier positions in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County. From his office in the Hills Building in downtown Syracuse, he served as a special insurance agent and remained active in his profession as President of the Syracuse Fire Insurance Field Club. Connelly was also deeply involved in civic and community life, and his commitment to public service included joining the DeWitt Fire Department shortly after his arrival in 1937. At 1:20 p.m. on April 30, 1947, the DeWitt Fire Department was alerted to a reported fire at 4505 East Genesee Street. Lieutenant Connelly was killed when he fell from the responding fire engine as it departed the fire station.