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Michael Connell Obituary

Michael L. Connell

Michael L. Connell, 45, died suddenly December 19, 2008.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn. Friends may call 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to www.edonation.com/MikeConnell or checks may be sent to The Mike Connell Scholarship Fund, c/o Connell Donatelli Inc., 116 North St. Asaph St., Alexandria, Va. 22314.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Dec. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Connell

Not sure what to say?





nanny ruth

January 7, 2009

"Able to leap tall buildings in single bound......" That is the way I saw Mike. Bullet proof. Indestructible. So.....when I got the call on that awful Friday night, my first thought was that there must be some mistake. Not THAT Mike Connell. HE would NEVER leave his family.
I only knew him casually, thru the family. I knew him well enough to admire & respect him. In the last 8 years or so I observed how he gave himself to you, Lauren, Patrick, Austin, Maddie and to Heather. I can say with confidence that he poured himself into your lives.
I'm so sorry for your loss. He truly was a hero.
All I can think to say to you is, hold on tight to that part of himself he gave to you. It's still there. It always will be. You have to go on. Live your life the way you know he would want you to. Make him proud.
I will keep you in my prayers. Love to you. Nanny Ruth

Randy Enwright

January 4, 2009

Dear Heather,

Our prayers are with you and your children. Through all the years of working with Mike off and on and knowing both of you, you all have been a true blessing to all. May the Lord's love and guidance be with you in this difficult time.
Randy, Karla, and Brody Enwright

Bill and Bob Falkowski

January 3, 2009

Dear Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Madison,
We are sorry over Michael's passing. He was a deeply loving Husband and Father as well as an extraordinary man. Despite time-consuming business commitments, he spent quality time with all of you. What you'll see with each passing day is that his deep involvement in your lives will be a source of affection and inspiration.
We always thought well of Michael and believed he was an extraordinarily good, down-to-earth and decent guy who deeply loved and cared for you. We keep you in our prayers every day. We believe that Michael is at peace in heaven and we pray that although your hearts are hurting, you will experience a growing measure of peace and understanding with each passing day. Michael will be sadly missed. We just think that Jesus needed someone like Mike to give Him a helping hand.
Love,
Uncle Bill and Uncle Bob

December 31, 2008

To the Connell family,
May the prayers of your friends and family strengthen and comfort you. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee..." {Isaiah 41:10}

Our prayers are with you,
Dan & Vickie Evans

Stephanie (Schroder) Jacobson

December 30, 2008

My deepest sympathies to Mike's friends and family. My prayers go out to you all. Last week, I recieved the annual Connell family newsletter and smiled at the glowing stories and photos of the family adventures. It was always amazing to see the continued growth of Mike's love of family and deep faith. It was quite an evolution from his early days in the Bush '88 Iowa headquarters.

May God bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Connie Diering

December 30, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Those we love are forever in our hearts. May you find some peace and comfort at this difficult time knowing that your loved one is watching over you from a far better place.

Jack Cowgar

December 29, 2008

My deepest sympathy to you in such a terrible time. I enjoyed working on Mike's planes - He was always so considerate and congenial - Truly a great loss to all of us!

Brad Sauder

December 27, 2008

Dear Connell family,
We are so sorry for your loss and extend our deepest sympathy. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Chris Hanson

December 26, 2008

May he Rest in Peace...So sorry for your loss!

Monique Rawlings

December 26, 2008

To the Connell family:

My deepest sympathy to the loss of Mike Connell. You are in my prayers. Stay strong.

Michael Potosky

December 26, 2008

Dear Heather and Children:

I was honored and blessed to meet your husband and father on several occasions while at the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. Mike was a true disciple of Christ...a man with courage, vision and unfailing faith. Our Lord blessed us with Mike's wonderful presence for only 45yrs...but your memories of his vibrancy and love will never be forgotten as he is now your angel and advocate from heaven. I have prayed that some day your sorrow will be turned into joy as you feel your husband/father's prayers from heaven touch your lives as only he could orchestrate...a sound and touch that are unmistakably his, reaching out to guide and comfort you.

Dan and Donna Sinn Family

December 26, 2008

To the Connell Family......our deepest sympathies.

Gregory Frank Right to Life

December 26, 2008

Please know that our entire community is praying for the Holy Spirit to Comfort each of you on the Loss of a great man.His leadership in our Church in the K of C and in the Pro-Life movement will be greatly missed.

Greg Hamilton

December 25, 2008

Don, Rosa and Family, I wish I could offer something more to comfort you in your loss. It has been a while, but I have not forgotten dear friends. May God, Friends and Family instill comfort and give you strength to see you through. Life is precious and undeniably fragile. Live, love, laugh and cry with those dear to you as often as possible. For we know not when our time may come. Love and Prayers

Maria, Brad, Quinton and Evan

December 25, 2008

Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Maddy,

Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. Take the beautiful memories with you as you move forward in life and know that you have a very special angel looking over and protecting you.

Becky George

December 24, 2008

Dear Connell Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find peace in your memories. My cousin is Katie Tramonte, who worked with Mike.

Lee Schiek

December 24, 2008

Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to Mike's family and friends. We enjoyed his visits with us - he will be missed.

Ops Desk Staff
College Park Airport (CGS)
College Park, MD

Sharon and Todd Stock

December 23, 2008

Dear Connell Family,

After Todd spoke to the St. Hilary congregation on his RCIA experience, Mike was the first person out of his pew to give Todd a hug and welcome him on his Catholic journey. We will savor that vision and memory forever as that small gesture really showed us the kind of man Mike was. We are saddened that we did not have the opportunity to know Mike better - it is definitely our loss. Please know that you are all in our prayers. May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

John C. Sullivan

December 23, 2008

The prayers of the Sullivan family are with you this holiday season. I, too, met Mike through Congressman Hoke. I sponsored him into an Irish-Catholic fraternity, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

At times like this I always find comfort in the old Celtic theology - birth into this life means death from the other and death in this life means birth into the other.

God bless you.

Maureen Walter

December 23, 2008

To the Connell Family,
On behalf of LifeStyles our deepest sympathy to all of you. When you first came in I remember thinking what a great family, He always had a great smile and a friendly hello.
May peace be with you at this time..Maureen Walter AGMC, LifeStyles

Wally & Lara Kil

December 23, 2008

Dear Heather & Family,

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family during this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. Wally & Lara

Jim Gamache

December 23, 2008

Dear Heather and family,
I am so sorry and so upset over your loss. Mike was a very special man - he was a role model for how a man should live his life. His faith, family, friends, and fellow man were of utmost importance to him. I am sorry that I didn't take advantage of the opportunites I had to be closer to him. It was my loss.
He once prayed for me when I asked for his help. You can be sure that I will be praying for your family and Mike during these difficult times.
My sincerest sympathy, Jim Gamache

Stephanie Sipe

December 23, 2008

Dearest Heather and children,
May Christ be with during this time of great sadness. Please know that you are in the prayers of a great many people, as your husband and father touched so many lives. Mike's living out his baptismal promise was a great witness to his faith; he was truly one of God’s instruments.

Yours in Christ,

Thomas Boutall

December 23, 2008

Heather,

I worked with Mike at Mr. Hoke's Office in Fairview Park (way back when). He was talented, principled, and a pleasure to work with. My heart sunk when I heard the news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lyn Pajk

December 23, 2008

Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Madi; How many times my thoughts have been of your family over the past year and a half, but now not just my thoughts, but my every prayer since Saturday morning has been lifted up for you and for Mike. I had the privilege of sharing one week with your family in El Salvador in 2007, but it was a time that had a deep impact on me. Mike's unwavering faith and passion to serve "the least of God's children" with love and humility showed those he knew what it meant to be "Christian"...he helped to spread the good news to the World through service, just like Jesus.
When you look at the children, Heather, be reminded of all the goodness of Mike because I have seen it in Lauren's gentleness, Patrick's hard work, Austin's laid-back demeanor, and Madi's ability to love others. Those of us who knew Mike, even for a little while, are the better for it.
May the love of God and the care of those around you bring you some measure of comfort at this time.
With love and prayers,
Lyn Pajk

Anne, William, Elizabeth Bickett (St. VM)

December 23, 2008

Please accept our sincere expression of sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ann Herberger

December 23, 2008

To the Connell Family,
All of us who worked with Mike in JebWorld loved him very much. He was not only an honorable man but smart as a whip, innovative and such a fun spirit. I know your hearts are hurting so much for your loss and you are in all of our prayers for to heal your hearts somehow. He will be missed by everyone. We all send our love from Florida.

Mark and Jennifer Wiseman

December 22, 2008

To The Connell Family,
Our deepest sympathies go out to your entire family. May The Lord comfort you at this time and keep you close. There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. We do not know Mike or Heather or their children, but our hearts go out to you. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Brian Berry

December 22, 2008

Heather, Madi, Austin, Patrick and Lauren,

God gave each of you a fine gift in your husband and father. Some presents are opened and forgotten while others, like Mike, last a lifetime because they live in our hearts, uplift our souls and remain evermore in our memories. It was a joy to have known Mike for many years and it was meaningful to me and many others that he advanced the Kingdom of Christ here on earth and will now be rewarded in God's Kingdom in Heaven. Mike had a deep devotion to God, family and country and we are all the better for it. Your sorrows are surely felt in Heaven and our prayers are with you all.

Louis Connell

December 22, 2008

Heather and family. My families deepest simpathy goes out to you and your family. I hope you can find comfort in the kind of man Mike was, and the good he did while he was with us.

Mrs. Harragall

December 22, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Julie (Rauckhorst) Thomas

December 22, 2008

Heather, I have not seen you or Mike for so many years. I was very saddened to hear this news. I enjoyed the time I worked with Mike in D.C. and Cleveland so much. He was a wonderful man - kind, compassionate, humble, hard-working - and a great sense of humor. But most of all, I recall how devoted he was to you and your children. I'll always remember how he glowed when you and baby Lauren visited the office. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sandy Eidson Walk Thru the Bible

December 22, 2008

Heather, my heart knows your loss and i will pray for you and your dear children. May our Lord comfort you with His strong embrace. Your tears are tears of love.

Christine Alekna

December 22, 2008

Dear Connell Family,
Although I did not know Mike personally, my heart breaks for your family. My deepest sympathies to you all. May God bless you and give you strength during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Joe and Pam Bowsher

December 22, 2008

To the entire Connell Family:
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mike was an extraordinary person and an example of someone that led life to the fullest. We pray for Heather and their children, his parents, his siblings and all that have experienced this tragic loss. Our hearts go out to you all.

Mr. Allison (STVM)

December 22, 2008

I was very sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept my sympathy and condolences at this time.

Michael Krull

December 22, 2008

Heather & Family:

Know that we are praying for you during this time and always. Mike was a great father, husband and friend, and shall always be remembered for his good works and as a model of a life well lived.

Michael & Amy Krull

Sharon Paul

December 22, 2008

To the Connell Family-
We had the pleasure of working with Mike and Heather on a business relationship. Our hearts truly go out to Heather and the children and please know that you will all be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time! We had just read and thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas newsletter from New Media Communications. We especially enjoyed the "Bah Humbug" segment that was written by Mike (too funny, but so true!). What a blessing that your family had done so many things together and how precious those memories will be to you and your children. It surely seems from reading the newsletter that strong morals and good values have been instilled in the kids and a legacy will live on due to great parenting!! Please accept our sympathy for your sudden and tragic loss and God bless you with comfort and peace in the coming months!!
Kurt Taylor, Kim Brown & Sharon Paul at Optimum Benefits, Inc.

Sean & Colleen Ahern

December 22, 2008

Heather and Family,
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel at the unexpected passing of Mike. He was a true inspiration to those who knew him. May you find comfort in knowing he was an admired and loved person in the St. Hilary community. Our deepest sympathy.

Alice Marie Ohlin

December 22, 2008

Heather and Family-
I can not even begin to understand what your family must be going through. Some times things happen that make us ask "why God?" and all we can do is look to Him in Faith- not understanding, just believing. This is truly one of those times. I do not understand the why but one thing I do know is God is still God and he is needed now more than ever before. I have no doubt that God's love and comfort are very near right now to you and your children. Our family is praying for you!
The Ohlin's- Alice, Dan, Daniel, Matthew and Elizabeth.
St. Hilary's Parish

Anthony Barbieri

December 22, 2008

Maria and I are sincerely sorry for your lost. Our payers are with all of you. God Bless.

John King

December 22, 2008

Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Madi,

Mike’s work in service to others will continue to bear tribute to him. His love for his family was clear to anyone who knew him. His devotion to Christ was deep and steadfast. His work in service of the poor changed lives, providing housing and clean water to people in desperate poverty.

To see Mike and his family in El Salvador, sweating alongside the brothers and sisters they served, and to see Mike treat them not only with charity, but with dignity, and respect, was to observe one who lived Matthew 25:40 “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Heather, my family and I are keeping you and your family in our prayers. Please do not hesitate to call on us if we can support you in any way.

Ariel Petrella

December 22, 2008

Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Diane & Ariel Petrella

Chris Ulinski

December 22, 2008

Mike is a great man and a role model. I admired his passion and dedication in his family life, faith life and work. He will be greatly missed.

Meg Hopp

December 22, 2008

Dear Heather and kids, know that our prayers are with you! Remember the words of the great St. Augustine: "He has not left life, he has left my life. How can he be dead Who lives in my heart?"
Peace.

Margie Vinez

December 22, 2008

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the rough times ahead. You are all in my prayers. What a wonderful, inspiring man.

Chris Michalec

December 22, 2008

My deepest sympathy to you at this time of grief. I remember your family as being so close and loving--may that and your loving memories sustain you now.

The Tully Family

December 22, 2008

To the Connell Family:
Our deepest condolences and sympathy to all of you. Our daughter Kelsey goes to STVM with Lauren. May God's strength guide you through this most difficult journey.

Joyce Colovas

December 22, 2008

Dear Heather and Family;

You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. Mike had the most incredible heart and I know that he will also be missed by the people he loved and served in El Salvador. It was a pleasure working with Mike and I truly respected his passion and ambition. May God bless you and watch over you all as you go through this very difficult time. Please know you can count on me for anything! Su hermana en Cristo, Joyce

Michael & Patricia Wilde

December 22, 2008

Our deepest sympathy for such a tragic loss to your family & our community.

The Staff of Dr. Bodjanac

December 22, 2008

To the Connell Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Micheal was a great soul. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Look to God and family for comfort. May God Bless.

Russ and Kathy King

December 22, 2008

Dear Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Madi,

It was a blow to the heart to learn of this devastating loss. Each one of you is in our mind constantly as you go through this difficult journey. We want so much to express our deepest condolences and know that the church community and your friends offer support to your family at this time.

Heather, words fail to express what our heart feels. We pray and know that your inner strength is a source that continues to protect your family now and forever.

With Love in Christ,

Sue & Joe Crookston

December 22, 2008

Dear Heather & Children,

Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your husband and father. Mike was one of the most sincere and humble men we have ever met and we know that he is resting in God's loving arms. The memory of Mike that comes to me most was of his writing. It seemed he always carried a notebook with him & was alway jotting things down. The memory that I will carry with me always will be his caring spirit. We are privileged and blessed to have known him. Your family will remain in our prayers and we hope you find comfort in knowing how loved Mike was. God bless you all with peace and strength.

arnoldand joanne pinchot

December 22, 2008

dear heather and family,although we didn,t know mike that well the tributes being paid to him are so outstanding, what a wonderful person he wasand a true man of god.please accept our deepest sympathy,god bless all of you. .

Dawn Buscemi

December 22, 2008

Dear Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Madison: Mere words cannot express my sorrow in hearing of Mike's accident. My two brothers and I grew up with Mike and all of his sisters and brother and always had so much fun at their house. I loved him very much. You are all in our prayers.

Love, Mike's cousins, Dawn, Sam, Makayla and Bridget Buscemi

Mikki Chris

December 22, 2008

Heather and Kids,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers.

Melanie Garrett

December 22, 2008

Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Madi, I was in shock Sat. as I read the paper. I know Mike through my working with Him and I am honnored to have known him. You are all in my prayers. God Bless you.

Laura Maurer

December 22, 2008

Dear Mrs. Connell and Family-
We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our neighborhood shall never be the same since this horrible tragedy--especially upon hearing what a wonderful husband, father, friend, family man, business man and, most importantly, Christian that Mike represented. Mike and your family continue to be in our hearts and prayers this Christmas Season.
The Maurer Family on Charolais St. in Uniontown.

Clark Hosick

December 21, 2008

Mike is a wonderfull man in life. He had so much going for him in life. A great wife and 4 outstanding children,A growing succesful business . He was a great leader in El Salvador, The Knights,and any thing else he wanted to do. We love you and your family . Clark and Dawn

Linda Benedetti

December 21, 2008

Heather & children. We first met when our boys became friends at St. Hilary school. We are truly sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in our prayers. I will always remember Mike doing God's work and seeing Mike and all of you across the isle in church. He will truly be missed and we send our love to all of you during this difficult time. Linda, Don & Matthew Benedetti

The Staff of Billow Funeral Homes

December 22, 2008

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.

Mariann Metzger

December 21, 2008

Dear Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Madison and Family,
My sympathy, prayers and love are with you. The bond of love with your husband and father will be unbroken for eternity. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."  Matthew 5:4

Frank and Marie Bevilacqua

December 21, 2008

Heather, we are so sorry about Mike's passing. We have prayed for you and your children, and will continue to do so.

We first got to know Mike at Alpha. We were so impressed by the energy he brought to Alpha and so moved by his passion for the program. More importantly, he made us feel so important. Our faith grew because of Mike. That faith relationship with Mike grew into a personal friendship, and then into a professional relationship. In all my dealings with Mike, his faith and his family were most important.

Frank and Susan Daniels

December 21, 2008

Our deepest condolences to Heather and their lovely children on the untimely passing of Mike. As he now rests in the palm of God's hand may his love for you and your memories comfort you as he now prays for you and longs to see you again in heaven. Know that you will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Frank and Susan Daniels

The Birchfield Family

December 21, 2008

Dear Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin & Maddy
We are so sorry to hear about Mike and your Dad. Please know you have been in all of our thoughts and will always be in our prayers. We will always cherish the memories.

Kara Butler

December 21, 2008

My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Connell family. Mike was a wonderful person and will truely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. With love, Kara

Marie

December 21, 2008

To your family,
Sincere sympathys at this sad time. May Jesus comfort you and your children.

Annie Hanson (Dept. of Political Science at UA)

December 21, 2008

My very deepest condolences. Mike was an inspiration to the students at the University of Akron and will be tremendously missed. My thoughts are with you.

Marty Louisin

December 21, 2008

Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Madi,
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you and all of Mike's family. As you are so acutely aware, he was one of God's finest children and learned his lessons well. I have met very few men who were his match as he was a loving devoted father, husband friend and, above all, Christian man.
The world was so blessed to have him in it's midst. My prayersd are with you all and I will remember his friendship always.
Marty Louisin
St Hilary Parish

Roger, Tracy, Lindsey & Lauren Begue

December 21, 2008

Anyone who has ever met Mike will fill his loss in this world. I can not begin to understand your loss, but know Mike's presence on this earth has made many others life better. Our family has you in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest love,

Elaine Fechko

December 21, 2008

I am deeply sorry for your loss. It is great indeed because Mike was such a giving person. He was a blessing to all who came into contact with him. Elaine Fechko

Marian Kindel

December 21, 2008

Dear Mrs. Connell,
Randy Malick emailed me about your husband's sudden death. I am part of Randy's morning Bible studies. I pray for grace and peace for all of you, including you husband.

Karin Jackoboice

December 21, 2008

Heather and Family, my heart goes out to you all at this time of loss of your husband and father. He has not left you behind; he has only gone on ahead.
In Christ's Love,
Karin Jackoboice

The Howe Family

December 21, 2008

It is impossible to understand such a tragedy, or comprehend the depth of grief those who loved Mike feel; but as God's faithful, we understand that Mike's spirit is still with us and that God will give us the strength to continue his work. A special prayer for Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin and Madison that they feel God's presence and Love.

Janice Hatch

December 21, 2008

Mike's faith and the way he lived his life was an inspiration to me. My prayer for his family is that the Lord will wrap His loving arms around you and give you comfort at this tragic time.

Diana Johnson

December 21, 2008

From today's readings we hear that our heavenly Father has taken his son Mike to a higher office! Do not be afraid, for the Lord is surely with you. We thank Him for Mike's faithful service and for such a role model of Christian love to our parish family and those around him. May you be filled with Christ's peace.
With lots of love and prayers,
The Johnsons

Ed and Kelley Lohr

December 21, 2008

Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Maddy, and Austin,
Our hearts go out to you, we were devastated to hear about Mike. You and your family will be in our hearts and prayers. May all the good work that Mike has done be a great comfort to you in your time of grief.

Paula Shoup

December 21, 2008

I can't be there for Mike's services, but I will be there spiritually. He was my first nephew and was a special little boy and man. I feel certain he is in Heaven now-from Mike's aunt P

Dee Rummel

December 21, 2008

My family and I are sincerely sorry for your loss. In light of all of Mike's work for the Lord, I am sure he is with Him now. ( we are cousins of Don Connell's)

Mary Jo McGuire

December 21, 2008

Our hearts are broken for you, Heather, Lauren, Patrick, Austin, Madison, and all of Mike's family. All of us who will have to journey without Mike's faith-filled leadership and fellowship are stunned. We will stay focused on praying for you to rest in the faith that you share with Mike. He is still alive in Christ Jesus, as you know; I am sure he is praying for you, and will continue praying for you until you see him again in heaven. Meanwhile, we all long to comfort you on this earthly journey, and we are praying for the Holy Spirit to pour out His graces upon you.

"For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's" -Romans 14:7-8

We are praying for you, and look forward to seeing you through this week, and journeying together with you in Christ.

With love and prayers-

Aimee, Jerry, Jacob and Jaimee Jones

December 21, 2008

We were so sad to hear about this tragedy. You are in our prayers.

Betsy Connell

December 21, 2008

Mike was the epitomy of father, son, husband, cousin, nephew!!! He still provides for all a wonderful model to follow. My prayers are with all of you.

Bobby Null

December 21, 2008

I worked for the pool company who maintained their pool. I never met Mr. Connell, but I knew his kids and wife. They are very exceptional people. I just want them to know that I will keep a special place in my heart for them. I can honestly say that his dogs were among the very best i have ever encountered. I was truly sadened by the news. I just want them to know that no matter how it gets they will never be alone. He will always be there.

Sheila Gross

December 21, 2008

My deepest condolences.

Tom Bader

December 21, 2008

Heather and children, I have known Mike for only a short time as I served with him as an officer of the Knights of Columbus. He was a great leader and highly admired. My only regret is that I didn't get to know Mike earlier. He was the type that one could trust, learn from and grow with. The world needs exactly that. I wish you well and please accept my personal condolence.

Dick Wise

December 21, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Carla Klusty

December 20, 2008

"Now he is a legend when he would have preferred to be a man." --Jacqueline Kennedy

Condolences and deepest sympathies to family and friends.

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