Joe Connelly: A life of service, leadership, and a yellow duck suit

For nearly three decades, Joe Connelly was a defining presence in Barrington’s civic and volunteer life; a leader who believed deeply in service and understood that generosity, humor and humanity could work hand in hand.

A Rotarian for 29 years, Connelly lived Rotary’s guiding principle of Service Above Self in ways both visible and quietly steadfast. Over the years, he served multiple terms as president of the Barrington Rotary Club, stepped into leadership roles whenever needed, and was widely respected for his ability to unite people around a common purpose.

In 2002, Connelly was named Rotarian of the Year, a distinction awarded sparingly and unanimously. Fellow Rotarians cited not only his leadership skills, but his unwavering commitment to service, including his willingness to take on additional responsibilities without hesitation when others were unable to continue their work.

Yet for many in the community, Joe Connelly was best known not behind a podium but inside a bright yellow duck costume.

For years, Connelly portrayed the official mascot of the annual Hospice Duck Race, a fundraiser that grew from a modest event into one of Barrington’s most beloved community traditions. Dressed head to toe in feathers, Joe appeared at village board meetings, rode atop fire engines, posed for photos, hugged children, and brought laughter wherever he went, all in support of hospice care.

The Duck Race became a major community gathering, drawing hundreds of families and raising tens of thousands of dollars annually. Joe’s joyful presence helped transform the event into something special, proving that compassion could be playful and powerful at the same time.

Behind the costume, however, was a man deeply committed to the mission. Joe believed strongly in the dignity hospice care provides to patients and families during life’s most difficult moments. His humor never distracted from the cause, it strengthened it.

Joe’s service extended well beyond Rotary. He also served as chairman of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, where he worked to strengthen partnerships between businesses and the village and to promote the community’s long-term vitality.

Those who worked alongside him describe a man who showed up, followed through, and cared deeply; someone whose leadership was steady, inclusive, and rooted in kindness.

As the community gathers to honor Joe Connelly, it does so to recognize not only the years he gave, but the spirit with which he gave them. His legacy lives on in the organizations he strengthened, the causes he championed, and the countless smiles he brought — often while wearing a duck suit.

For Barrington, Joe Connelly will be remembered as a leader, a volunteer, and a friend who understood that service is not only about what you do, but how you make people feel while doing it.

Joe’s biggest passion was helping the needy, especially children. Donations in Joe’s memory will fund a Barrington project that will honor his passion.