Martin T. Connolly

Martin T. Connolly, 82, of Temple, NH passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at home with his beloved family and his dear friends, Liz and Jeanie by his side.

He was the son of the late William & Caroline Connolly, born on July 16, 1943, in Bronx, New York. He attended Dewitt Clinton High School, St. John University, and graduated from Danbury State College in 1967.

He married Lynda Okerson on August 19, 1967. They moved to New Hampshire, where he became a teacher working in Hollis, Peterborough, and the Keene school systems.

In 1969, he and Lynda bought land in Temple and began building a homestead. In the early 80’s a dairy barn was built, and a herd of Jersey cattle was brought in, and it continues to operate today by his sons and their families.

During the 70’s and 80’s he started a small construction company that built many houses and barns in the Monadnock area. In 1987, Martin and Lynda started Hidden Meadows, a private hunting club that combined his love of hunting and training hunting dogs to help supplement their dairy farm. This hunting club continues under a partnership with his three sons operating under the name The Grouse Woods at Red Gate Farm. In 2001, Martin founded the New England School of Falconry and Raptor Rehabilitation.

Martin had a lifelong interest in the town of Temple. He first worked for the highway department during summer breaks, and later was a member of the Conservation Committee, Planning Board, and was a Conval School Board Representative.

He had a passion for hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. He loved sharing his knowledge of it all, any time he had the opportunity. Martin especially loved teaching anyone who wanted to learn about nature.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Lynda, of 57 years, and his granddaughter Abigail Bevlyn.

Martin is survived by his three sons and their wives, Christopher and Jennifer, Michael and Cindi, and Patrick and Jill, all of Temple. Three beloved grandsons, Tucker, Grant and Elliott all of Temple.

Family and friends are warmly invited to Martin’s Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM at The Connolly Farm, 140 Webster Hwy, Temple, NH 03084. The family kindly asks that attendees dress appropriately for the weather.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions in Martin’s name to “The Temple Ladies Aid Society” C/O Temple Congregational Church, 17 Main St. Temple, NH. Or to “Temple Fire Department Auxiliary” PO BOX 80, Temple, NH 03084.