Dateline – Madison Kip D. Connolly, 55, of Madison, passed away Tuesday April 26, 2016 in Bangor, Maine surrounded by his family. He was born July 13, 1960 in Littleton, New Hampshire, the son of Joseph D. Connolly and Linda M. (Shores) Mitchell. Kip graduated from Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield in the class of 1978. At the age of 40, he went back to school to study nursing at Kennebec Valley Community College, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the age of 43. For 9 years, Kip worked for Ethan Allen Furniture in Burnham, he then moved on to working for ZD Wire in Skowhegan for 15 years, and for the last 12 years he has been working as an R.N. at Redington- Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan. Kip received a kidney from his Aunt, Ann Whitehouse, which extended his life at least 14 years. That inspired him to go back to school and become a nurse to be able to help other sick people in their time of need. He was a past member of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge in Skowhegan, he joined Huard’s Karate Studio in Winslow enrolling in 1983 and later opening his own branch Connolly’s and Huard’s Ju-Jitsu Karate which he owned and operated for more than 20 years in Madison. He enjoyed spending time at camp, camping, sail boating, motorcycles and cars, he loved to read, listen to music, and going to concerts “Only Rock Music”. He also enjoyed his dogs and snowboarding. After losing his leg he joined Maine Handi-cap Skiing and later became an instructor to help other Handi-Cap people learn to ski and he especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Connolly of 32 years, of Madison, two sons, Tyler Connolly and his fiancé, Anne Fisher of Des Peres, MO, Kyle Connolly and his wife, Shelby of Norridgewock, one granddaughter, Chloe, his father, Joseph Connolly and his wife Susan, his mother, Linda Mitchell and her husband Wayne, four brothers: James Connolly, Joe Connolly, Dennis Connolly, and Darrin Connolly; two sisters, Susan Thies and Denise Nye, several Nieces and Nephews. There will be a time of gathering and sharing of family and friends on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Kyle and Shelby’s house, 840 Ward Hill Rd., Norridgewock, Maine. There also will be visitation hours on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for family and friends at the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. Donations may be made in his name to the American Diabetes, P.O. box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22311.