James T. Connolly | Aerospace engineer, 76

James T. Connolly, 76, of King of Prussia, a retired aerospace engineer and decorated Korean War veteran, died of cancer Tuesday at home.

Mr. Connolly grew up in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and attended Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.

During the Korean War he was an Army sergeant. While stationed at Fort Dix, he met his future wife, Norma Jensen, who was working for the USO. He later served in the war and was wounded in the right leg. He spent a year recovering at Valley Forge Military Hospital and endured seven operations, his daughter Joanne Niedzielski said. He was the recipient of a Purple Heart.

After his discharge, Mr. Connolly was a draftsman for Teleflex Co. in North Wales, a manufacturer of specialty engineered products. He gained on-the-job experience, his daughter said, and was involved in the design of a space helmet for NASA. He was with Teleflex for 37 years before retiring in 1992.

Mr. Connolly enjoyed playing golf and chess and building dollhouses for his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of 55 years and his daughter, he is survived by sons James and Michael; a daughter Lauri Gailey; and 13 grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. today at Mother of Divine Providence Church, 222 Allendale Rd., King of Prussia. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Valley Forge Gardens, King of Prussia.