BASS HARBOR — Charles Edward “Ed” Connolly, 94, died April 23, 2012 at Mount Desert Island Hospital. He was born in Troy, N.Y., Jan. 11, 1918, the son of Charles A. and Marie (McKernan) Connolly.

Ed graduated from Lansingburgh High School in 1936. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in France and Germany, and participated in the liberation of concentration camps. In 1949 he married Helen M. Ryan.

Ed had a lifelong love of cars and scenic rides, and the story of him paying cash for his latest vehicle while walking around with the soles of his worn-out shoes flapping with every step was a standard among his family and friends. After working six days a week for 44 years for Cluett-Peabody Co., makers of Arrow shirts, Ed retired with Helen to Bass Harbor in 1978. Ed loved the sunsets over Bass Harbor, a sight he usually enjoyed with one of a succession of loyal dogs, who all recognized that he was a constant source of treats.

He is survived by sons Bruce Connolly and his wife Marty Delmonico of Scotia, N.Y., Brian Connolly of Troy, N.Y.; daughters Lisa Connolly, Susan Connolly and her partner Mark Dyer of Bass Harbor; grandchildren Maggie and Matthew Connolly, Emerald Proulx, and Ryan Wesley Dyer; brother T. Joseph Connolly of Troy, N.Y.; and sister Pauline C. Palitsch of Waterford, N.Y. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen M. Ryan Connolly; son, Gregg P. Connolly; and sisters, Helen T. Connolly and Marie E. Connolly.

Services will be private.

The family suggests memorial gifts in Ed’s memory to the Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth ME 04605; or Eastern Maine Home Care, Healthcare Charities, PO Box 931, Bangor ME 04402-0931.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.