Brig. Gen. Keith B. Connolly, USAF (Ret.), passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 24, 2025.

 

Keith was born June 9, 1934, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Alvin and Wilma Connolly. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pat; four children, Denise (Kevin), Steven (Lisa), William (Renee), and Christine (Bevan); nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, with another expected in May. Keith lived a life devoted to God, his country, his community, and, most importantly, his family.

 

Inspired to become a fighter pilot while in eighth grade after hearing a pilot speak at career day, Keith knew early what he wanted to do in life. In 1956, he entered the U.S. Air Force Aviation Cadet Program, earning his pilot wings and a commission as a second lieutenant. He was assigned to Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, for F-86 advanced gunnery training. While there, he learned the fundamentals of being a fighter pilot and, most importantly, met his future wife, Pat Trefry.

 

His next assignment took him to Itazuke Air Base, Japan, where he flew the F-100. During that time, Keith and Pat maintained a long-distance courtship through letters. After 18 months overseas, Keith returned to Phoenix, and the two were married May 7, 1960, beginning a 65-year marriage!

 

The couple moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, followed by additional F-100 assignments at Misawa Air Base, Japan, and England Air Force Base, Louisiana. Keith served his first tour in Vietnam in 1965, stationed at Da Nang Air Base, flying the F-100. After that tour, he was assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, as a forward air controller.

 

In 1968, Keith transitioned to the F-4 and returned to Vietnam, this time stationed at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base. He flew 172 combat missions over North Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Subsequent assignments took the family to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and Air War College in Alabama.

 

In 1972, he transitioned to the A-7 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, followed by assignments at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio; Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina; Youngsan Army Garrison, South Korea; and again at Hickam Air Force Base. Promoted to Brigadier General in 1985, he was assigned to Kadena Air Base, Japan, and concluded his Air Force career at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

 

Keith was a command pilot with more than 4,800 flight hours and flew the F-86, F-100, F-4, A-7, F-15, and F-16. He was also a master parachutist with 107 jumps. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. In his career, he welcomed and interacted with many heads of state and dignitaries. He has been featured in numerous news documentaries about the Vietnam War.

 

Following his retirement in 1990, Keith and Pat settled in Tucson, Arizona. There, he devoted 32 years as a volunteer at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, serving as director of the Retiree Activities Office. He was an active member and leader in numerous organizations, including the Order of Daedalians, the Red River Rats, and the Friday Pilots Association.

 

Keith enjoyed watching Air Force Academy football, Arizona Wildcats men’s and women’s basketball, volunteering as a docent at the Pima Air & Space Museum, and giving tours at the Davis-Monthan “Boneyard.” He won numerous medals in volleyball and basketball at the Senior Olympics.

 

Above all, Keith cherished his roles as husband, father, and grandfather. He traveled the world with his family, lived life to the fullest, never met a stranger, always had a funny story to tell, and set an example for treating others with kindness and respect.

 

Visitation will be held Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bring’s Funeral Home in Tucson, AZ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 3, at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Tucson. Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, April 17, at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Marana.

 

Keith was passionate about helping others achieve their dreams of becoming pilots in the United States Air Force. His goals align with those of the Order of Daedalions. He wanted to leave a legacy of helping those who want to pursue a career in military aviation. The local chapter of the Daedalions (of which he was a past President) is willing to assist deserving students in obtaining a scholarship under Keith’s name.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Treasurer of:

Daedalions, Old Pueblo Flight 12

 

Checks can be made out to:

Old Pueblo Flight 12

and sent to:

David Friel

1118 N Laurel Glen Drive

Green Valley, AZ 85614

Please annotate: In Memory of Keith Connolly

Donations can also be made online at this GoFundMe link:

Connolly Old Pueblo Flight Daedalian Foundation Scholarship