John J. "Tinker" Connelly, an iconic figure in the history of Northeastern University athletics, died Saturday after a long illness. He was 85 years old and died at home surrounded by his family.

Tim Connelly, his son, elegized, "He was the perfect father and husband. A kind, gentle man that took an interest in all our activities and pursuits."

Connelly matriculated at Northeastern after a distinguished career at Newton High School. As a Husky, he won nine varsity letters in football, hockey and baseball. As a quarterback, he was All-New England and led the 1951 football team to an undefeated season. As a defenseman in hockey, he was a high-scoring All-New England and All-East selection. On the diamond, he was an All-New England second baseman and went on to play semi-pro baseball.

He graduated in 1953 and immediately joined the NU athletic staff as a backfield coach in football and as a freshman hockey and baseball coach. In 1956, he was named the head coach of baseball but still continued his other duties for many years.

In 1964, he was named Coach of the Year in New England and, in 1966, led the Husky nine to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. In 1964, 1966, 1972 and 1973, his teams competed in the NCAA Division I playoffs. Connelly retired as the baseball coach in 1981 after 26 seasons with a record of 288 wins, 280 losses and five ties. Always active in the American Collegiate Baseball Coaches Association, he held many important posts.

Neil McPhee, the current 29-year Northeastern baseball head coach, said, "Tinker was my coach, my mentor and my friend. If there is one name that symbolizes Husky baseball, it is Tinker Connelly."

After his baseball years, he turned his talents to the administrative side and was the manager of Matthews Arena for a decade before his retirement in 1991. He had served his university as an athlete, coach and administrator for 42 years.

He was inducted into the Northeastern University Hall of Fame in 1975 and the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985.

Always an aficionado of track and field, he was a member of the New England Track and Field Officials Association and officiated for over 30 years at the Boston Marathon and countless other events.

He will be waked at the Doherty Funeral Home in Needham (1305 Highland Ave.) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, and the funeral will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Needham at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

The Northeastern athletics family invites former players, colleagues and friends to share their thoughts and memories of Tinker Connelly by sending an email to jackgrinold@GoNU.com.