[1] Connolly graduated from Georgetown University Law School in 1936.

[2] In 1942, Connolly joined the United States Naval Reserve, where he served until 1946.

In the service, he earned the rank of Senior Grade Lieutenant.

[2] In 1949, Connolly was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, as running mate to G. Mennen Williams.

[1] Connolly was a member of both Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.