John Connelly, the president of the National Fisheries Institute who made revolutionary changes to the seafood industry, has died. He was 61. In announcing his death on Nov. 21, the NFI didn’t disclose when he died or the cause of death, but Connelly told the NFI he had received a diagnosis of bile duct cancer in September.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a fierce advocate, a loving father, a cherished husband, a beloved brother, an esteemed leader, and to so many a mentor and simply friend. John Connelly was the third President of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and a man who drove fundamental change with wit, foresight, and honesty,” the NFI said in a press release. “His impact and loss is immeasurable. In early 2003 John stood before the NFI Presidential Search Committee, dug back to his history degree from his beloved College of the Holy Cross and made the analogy that the seafood industry was like the German states in the 1860s.
“Each industry sector fought their own battles, like pre-Bismarck Germany. He suggested a better approach was to unify the seafood industry – and with that – the posture of an industry changed forever. From those early days John began to transform NFI into an effective advocacy group that commands respect across a global industry.
“John was not afraid of hard work with a professional mantra of “no job too big, no job too small.” John was a master communicator who would weave in charming personal antidotes while breaking down complex issues like corporate responsibility, sustainability, free markets, and whatever was keeping the consumer awake at night – all in the manner of an affable sweater-wearing professor.
“The catalog of John’s achievements is lengthy, including the creation of the Better Seafood Board; the merger of the National Tuna Federation and subsequent development of the NFI Council system; plus, the annual Global Seafood Market Conference; the conception of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership; and contributing his steady voice on multiple industry Boards.
“NFI members will long remember John’s unwavering presence and leadership during the early days of the pandemic. These are just a few of the contributions that will have a lasting impact.
“The NFI staff will remember his indelible impact on our lives. He was a hard-working boss whose naval officer pedigree taught him to lead from the front. He was a warm-hearted father figure who cared deeply about those around him. He was a tough, honest and funny man – with a genuine twinkle in his eye and a story for every occasion. He was someone who wrote postcards to family and friends from his travels around the world. He was a man of deep faith and happiest spending time with his family.
“Even before falling ill, John had announced his retirement for February 2023 and spent 2022 preparing for a smooth transition of leadership. As they say when a naval commander departs his ship for the last time, ‘We relieve you, Sir.'”
Connelly is survived by his wife, Margaret; his children Kate (Jack), Jack (Rui), Bridget (John) and Maggie (Ryan); his extended family, friends, and his colleagues from around the globe.
To recognize John’s love oNFI President f education, the seafood industry and the College of the Holy Cross, NFI has established “The John Connelly Intern Scholarship” at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., to benefit the Semester in DC Program. John mentored Holy Cross interns for 10+ years at NFI and took great pride in demystifying advocacy as a career.
NFI will provide information on funeral arrangements as they become available.
On Sept. 22, NFI President Connelly addressed his health and retirement to the NFI board, which issued a press release.
“Today I took the opportunity to update our Board of Directors on a number of important issues, including my health,” Connelly said. “In late March, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, cholangiocarcinoma. Since the first week of April, I have been in chemotherapy. Thankfully, I am responding well to the treatments to date. During this difficult and busy time I have been extraordinarily pleased with the NFI staff’s reaction and the support they continue to provide our members. I have always been impressed with how much we do with so few employees and now more than ever.”
“My pending retirement is long-planned and unrelated to my diagnosis. I continue to work and the transition to a new NFI president is on track for January 2023,” Connelly said. “My wife, Margaret, and our extended family have a wonderful network of family and friends who support us and we deeply appreciate them. Thank you all for your continued prayers, thoughts, and kindnesses.”
