Nicholas “Nick” Joseph Connolly, 41, of Shreve passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 11, 2026, leaving behind family and friends who loved him deeply.
He was born on July 9, 1985 in Orrville and graduated from Estero High School in Florida. Nick worked at The Ohio State University, OARDC branch in Wooster. There he made lifelong friends and had many laughs with his co-workers.
His loss is felt most profoundly by his daughter, Ruby, who was the center of his world. The bond they shared was unmistakable when they were side by side on the softball field, laughing in the driveway, or simply talking about life, he poured every bit of his heart into being her dad. Raising Ruby was one of his greatest joys.
He was known for his love of racing and the thrill of the track, a passion he carried throughout his life. Equally cherished was his 1957 Chevy Pickup truck, a family heirloom he cared for with devotion. That truck wasn’t just a vehicle, it was a piece of family history, a symbol of tradition, and a reminder of the generations who came before him.
Hardworking to his core, Nick never hesitated to lend a hand. If someone needed help, he showed up, no questions asked, no expectations in return. His generosity was quiet but constant, woven in the way he lived and the way he treated others.
Those who loved him also know he carried burdens that were heavy and often invisible. He faced depression with a strength that wasn’t always seen, fighting battles that many never knew about. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how deeply mental health struggles can affect even the most caring, capable, and selfless people.
He leaves behind his daughter Ruby and his former wife, Renee both of Wooster. Hs also leaves behind his mother, Tonya (Rob) Tolp of Franklin, NC; sister Arlena (Joe) Johnson of Naples, FL; brother Shawn (Alicia) Connolly of Connersville, IN; step-mother Rose McGoarty of Elyria; grandmother Carol Webb of Lodi; in laws Mitch (Lori) Neece of Wooster, Karen Neece of Ashland, Madelynn Neece of Wooster, Billy Neece of Ashland; nieces and nephews Sadie, Joshua, Jason, Olivia, Bella, Amelia and Lydia.
Nick was preceded in death by his father, Robert Connolly; grandparents Nicholas Schommer, Robert and Ruby Connolly.
His family and countless friends who will remember his kindness, his humor, his loyalty, and the way his face lit up whenever he talked about the people he loved. Especially his close friends Kevin and Stacy Adkins and Andy and April Ackerman.
May his memory be a reminder to check on one another, to speak openly about the hard things, and to hold close to the people who matter most.
A celebration of Nick’s life will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Friends will be received from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Renee, I am so sorry to hear about Nick. You and Ruby are in my thoughts and prayers. You have my deepest sympathy. 🙏🏻❤️
Nick – heartfelt thoughts and prayers for your family and your beloved daughter. I remember you talking about Ruby and her sports team. May you find peace in God’s loving arms. You are valued person to many loved ones and family. God speed…gone too soon.
Ruby and Renee. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Ruby hang tough. Dad would want you to. Prayers for the whole family. Love ya Ruby.
I’m just speechless.
I’m so sorry to hear about this.
You, Ruby, Mitch, Lori, and the rest of Nick’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
Todd and Leannei
”I was deeply saddened to hear about Nick’s passing. I had the privilege of working alongside him on union matters for our members at Ohio State University Wooster. Nick was truly one of a kind—his passion for supporting his coworkers was unmatched. During our stewards’ Teams calls, he was always the one making sure every single detail was caught and that no issue or person was ever overlooked. He fought tirelessly to make sure everyone was treated fairly because he genuinely cared. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be deeply missed, and his impact will not be forgotten.”
Lalla Vice President CWA Local 4501.
Nick – You were such a valuable Team Member to the Facilities Operations Department at the OARDC. Always upbeat. Always professional. Always willing to help. When I entered a room you always greeted me and were very welcoming. May you rest in peace. Bill
My deepest condolences to the family. May you find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear that,
My deepest condolences to the family. May you find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Such sad, sad news. It is with heavy heart that think of his shortened life and you his family have my most heartfelt condolences.
I was privileged to work with Nick at the Wooster campus of OSU. He showed me such kind sincerity with his friendly smile and willingness to share his vast knowledge of how a building functions.
I will never forget the first day I met him, he offered to take me around our building to explain about the various mechanical workings of our building, he taught me what to watch for and when I should contact facility services for help. He answered my million questions with patience and knowledge. He spent 2 hours with me that day and gave his gift of caring when he wasn’t obligated to do so and I will always cherish him for that. We had many chats about work issues and also personal chats about life and the love he felt for his family. I will miss his sweet smile, our chats and his many “update stop-by’s” about building issues. The OSU Wooster family has lost a cherished friend and colleague.
My thoughts and prayers are with each member of your family as you suffer this loss.
Nick was a true friend, I worked with him thru many projects at OARDC and that’s where we forged a friendship forever, we had so many things in common spent many hours talking about everything, we shared stories about how our truck projects were coming along and many funny stories.
Nick was at my daughters wedding last Sep-12, and when he was leaving we hugged each other and I told him I love you like a brother and Nick said likewise I love you like a brother too. I will always miss my friend RIP buddy.
I’m shocked and saddened about Nick’s passing. He was a pleasure to work with, always helpful and anxious to learn. Praying for his family
My deepest condolence. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God and the good memories sustain you now and also in the future.
Our deepest condolences from the Flores family we are at a Los for words Bobby and my dad would spend many nights working on the 32 and my self Nick and the rest of the family would help we were actually in the way but those are memories that will never be forgotten my second family I love you all and if ever you feel down don’t hesitate to call me any time 2392716469 I would rather listen to you and figure things out then feel this pain
JJ Flores
Renee and Ruby you are both in our prayers. Stay strong and hold each other close.
Though words cannot ease the sorrow, may the love and memories you shared bring you comfort. So sorry for your loss
Thoughts and prayers to Nick’s family especially Ruby… you are in my thoughts… RIP Nick… you will be missed
So incredibly sorry.
My deepest condolences to those who held him dear. I pray you find comfort and peace.
Nick was a colleague at OARDC, and always so helpful when there was some unfortunate event in the greenhouses. He will be missed by so many for so many reasons.
Rest in peace