Lawrence Hoover Connelly Jr.

Lance was born in West Palm Beach, Florida to Elizabeth “Dee Anne” Volbeda and Lawrence Hoover Connelly on September 24, 1965. From the young age of 4, he could be found fishing off a pier in the dawn hours in Palm Beach where he was raised. Perhaps he was drawn to the sea because of his crystal blue ocean eyes that sparkled when he smiled. His love of the water continued throughout his life and he never missed an opportunity to hook one more fish.

As a late teen and early adult, he discovered photography and had an incredible eye for capturing the nautical world of birds, other wildlife and landscapes. He took photographs of people at various events in Palm Beach and never passed up an opportunity to have a photo shoot with his nieces and nephews, curating photos and memories. He took up painting and used various mediums including wood, paper and jeans. His idea of painting pants, created the long lasting nickname, “Lance Pants” for many loving friends and family. Friends would describe Lance as a sweet guy with a big heart and fun to be around.

Lance had a preppy beach look and enjoyed dawning a navy blazer with a Lilly tie if feeling dressy or a PFG shirt, khakis and docksiders for his everyday outfit. He loved driving his white jeep with the doors off rocking out loudly to Van Halen or other 80s rock groups. He would visit Atlanta throughout his life to see family and loved getting a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts when the orange fluorescent light was flashing HOT. The Varsity and a chili dog and FO was also a destination not to be missed on his visits to Hotlanta.

Lance’s last adventure was casting lines across the sea in his beloved south Florida ocean. He passed away surrounded by love on May 13, 2026.

Lance was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Emily Gordon, stepmother, Linda Campbell Connelly, stepfather, Johan Volbeda, sister, Kelly Connelly Brown (Ken) and Aunt Susan Korzenewski. He is survived by his mother Dee Anne Volbeda and father Lawrence Hoover Connelly Sr, sister, Joy Brennan (Jim), sister, Molly Paxton (Zeke), Great Aunt Janie Howell (Dixie) , nieces and nephews Kendall, Karson, Kody, Jonah, Luke, Anna, Olivia, Michael, Johanna and numerous beloved cousins. He leaves behind friends who are like family that were instrumental in supporting him while keeping him surrounded in love in his last years.

A celebration of life will be held over the summer. Arrangements and details to follow.