Chuck Connelley

Charles Calvin Connelley, “Chuck” said goodbye to his family on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in the comfort of their home after a lengthy battle with Cancer.

Chuck was born to Hoy and Stella (Radowski) Connelley in Las Cruces, New Mexico on September 6, 1950 where he joined his big sister Gerry Ann and began a life full of adventure.  Most of his youth was spent living in foreign places where Hoy was a Range Management Specialist with the International Cooperation Administration.  When Chuck was 4 years old, the family moved to Quetta, West Pakistan where they lived until he was 10 years old. He then spent the next 2 years in Lima, Peru.  They were treated like royalty wherever they went.  Chuck would often share with friends and family this unique experience with fond memories of his childhood mischief and stories of culture.

The family returned to Las Cruces where Chuck’s love of the cowboy lifestyle, strong work ethic, horses and livestock continued to shape his path.

After graduating from Las Cruces High in 1968 and spending a year at New Mexico State University, he joined the Navy and served as a Hospital Corpsman in Yokosuka, Japan during the Vietnam War era. He took care of his fellow servicemen, not just by tending to their needs but by keeping spirits up too. Whether it was a hot bowl of his beans or an old cowboy love song on his beat-up guitar, Chuck knew how to make tough days a little easier.

Upon returning from the service, Chuck rode for several big ranching outfits throughout the Little Snake River Valley in Wyoming.   In 1975 he brought a load of cattle down to the Denver Stockman’s Exchange and that is where he met the love of his life, his “Denver Lady”, Nancy Lynn Ritchie.

They wed on Valentine’s Day, 1976 in Denver, CO.

Chuck and Nancy started their life together, living and working on ranches in Wyoming and the western slope of Colorado where they shared many beautiful and exciting moments and met many lifelong friends. 

In 1980 they settled near Parker/Elizabeth, CO where they would raise and love three children - Clayton Charles Connelley [Tori Connelley], Lucas Ryan Connelley [Dondi Connelley] and Dustyn Kaye Connelley [Calvin Nordell]; six grandchildren - Kacie Renee Connelley [Logan Fine], Karlie Rose Tyler [Colt Tyler], Cody Charles Connelley, Ryan Lucas Connelley, Cooper John Connelley and Halli Jo-Louise Connelley; and two great grandchildren - Brady Ryan Connelley and Waylen Charles Fine. 

Each would bring their own adventures and successes where Chuck and Nancy were always there for the ride.  Chuck also leaves behind his sister Gerry Ann Yaryan, niece Heather Renee Yaryan, and his great nieces Dakota and Makena.  He is proceeded in death by his parents Hoy & Stella (Radowski) Connelley and niece Dawn Nichole Yaryan-Bender.

Chuck was larger than life to many who knew him.   A world traveler, Navy Corpsman, working cowboy, horseman, singer/song writer/guitarist, gourmet cook and later a successful salesman who brought the family along on many more adventures.  Some of the best trips were later in life where the entire “Connelley Clan” made those priceless memories together.  Chuck and Nancy loved to travel in their RV with their dogs Dan and Judy where they accumulated so many special memories of travel, fishing, and quiet nights together.

Chuck was an old school honest man who kept his word on a handshake.  He was a man who easily made acquaintances wherever he went and will always be remembered for his big smile and his signature, handsome moustache.  He was a strong and supportive loving husband, father, Pop, brother and friend, whose presence will be missed deeply. 

Services will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM (at Committal Shelter A).  A celebration of life will follow on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 12:00 PM at their home.