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Thomas CONNELL Obituary
He was born in Muskegon, Mich., on March 6, 1928, to Francis and Delia Connell, where he later married the love of his life, Charlotte, on June 20, 1953. He attended Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Police Administration in 1953, and later proudly served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army for 32 years with two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Master Army Aviator Badge, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Honor Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Legion of Merit. He retired from Fort Eustis, Va., in 1983.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Charlotte Ann Connell; three sons, Thomas F. Timothy A. (Deborah) and Christopher M., all of Williamsburg; four grandchildren, Emily and Jennifer Connell, and Will and Max Midkiff.
He is predeceased by his beloved daughter, Elizabeth Ann Midkiff; and his stepbrother, George Shaw.
A Catholic mass will be held in his honor at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, at the Fort Eustis Regimental Chapel with family receiving friends following. Interment will be on Jan. 10, 2011, at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Transportation Museum Fund at Drawer D, Fort Eustis, VA 23604.
We are eternally grateful for the love and support of our extended family and friends from the 11th Helicopter Company from Nellingen, Germany. In addition, we would like to thank Dr. Ward and the staff at The Gardens at Warwick Forest for their loving care. "Poppa" will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
Arrangements are under the care of Altmeyer Funeral Home – Denbigh Chapel, 12893 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23608. Condolences may be left at www.altmeyer.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas CONNELL
Joe A Fortner
September 24, 2025
He was a good man, an extraordinary officer, and a great boss.
Steve Alberts
October 14, 2010
Dear Aunt Char,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Tom's death. It was always a pleasure to spend time with him and listen to his stories and enjoy his sense of humor. You two always complemented each other so nicely. I will miss the Colonel. Mom and I are thinking of you and the boys. Our love to you all.
Allen & Janece Causseaux
October 4, 2010
Dearest Char, I don't have any words to express how much the friendship of you and Tom meant to us. I know he is now in Heaven watching over you as you did for him when he was ill. Please know that we loved him very much and will always cherish the many years of fond memories we share with you and Tom. It has been truly an honor and privilege to have had you both as dear friends.
Our love to you and your lovely family.
Allen and Janece
Kim Shaw
October 2, 2010
Dear Aunt Char,
Our thoughts are with you as we remember Uncle Tom. I was so hoping Jeff would get a chance to meet him so they could share stories. Best wishes and keep in touch.
Gerry & Sharon Shaw
October 2, 2010
Dear Char,
We are both so glad we were able to make it to Tom's service. It is hard to lose someone so dear to so many people. He was such a special man. Please keep in touch. Love, Gerry and Sharon
October 2, 2010
Dearest Char,
Dave and I were so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. You two have been such an inspiration to us since first meeting you many years ago in Newport News. We treasure those memories, as well as the ones that followed. Know you and your family are in our hearts and prayers. We love you, Donna and Dave
Marjory Eichelberger
October 2, 2010
Charlotte & Family,
We do not know if you remember us but you are your old neighbors on DeVol. We were very sorry to read that Tom past away. You have our greatest symphathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We have lots of memories when the boys were young. They often talk about you. Those memories are very precious.
Marjory & Charles Eichelberger
Scott, Dean & Kevin
Tommy & Kay Marshall
October 1, 2010
Char and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Tom's death. It was an honor to have served with Tom in the 11th TC in Nellingen, and we always looked forward to the wonderful reunions in Pigeon Forge.
Deana Spencer
October 1, 2010
Tim and the Connell Family,
Our family was sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Jennifer Connell
September 30, 2010
I miss you Papa and I love you so much
Pat & Becky Brown
September 30, 2010
Char and family, we were saddened to learn of Tom's passing. We enjoyed knowing him through the years and will miss him. Our best to your and the rest of your family, Pat & Becky Brown
Jesse Hamilton
September 30, 2010
My deepest symphathy on the passing of COL Connell. I served with him at Ft Eustis in the 80's and had the great pleasure of visiting with him when I was recently in Virginia. He was a great friend, officer and gentleman.
CHARLES & ANN GRIM
September 30, 2010
CHAR AND THE CONNELL FAMILY:
WE BOTH WANT TO EXTEND TO YOU OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY. MAY GOD WATCH OVER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND BLESS YOU WITH PEACE AND LOVE. OUR LOVE, DEL AND ANN GRIM.
Sherrie Dimon
September 30, 2010
I'm so sorry for the loss of Poppa. My heart goes out to you, Char, and all of the family. God bless you!
David & Ellen Ostrom
September 30, 2010
Char and the Connell Family,
Ellen and I were saddened to learn of Tom's passing. He was a great leader and mentor. Another great American has passed away.
You have our deepest sympathy. David & Ellen Ostrom
Suzanne Fairbank
September 30, 2010
Char, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Please let us know if there's anything we can do. Poppa was a lucky man to have such a caring woman at his side through the years. Take care of yourself, Suz & Dave
Catherine Tschudin
September 30, 2010
Charlotte, my heart goes out to you and your family during this sorrowful time. I wish you comfort in knowing that the Colonel is watching over and taking care of you as your guardian angel as you did for him during his time of need. He will truly be missed by the staff at the Gardens of Warwick Forest and myself in particular. He touched a special place in my heart. "Catherine the Great"
September 30, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Connell family. I had the privilege of working for Colonel Connell many years ago. He was an extraordinary role model, a good man, and a great American Soldier and citizen. He will always be missed. Joe A Fortner
Rita Foster
September 30, 2010
Char and family, my deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of one of the greatest people I've had the honor of knowing. I'll miss Tom at the TCAA and Museum meetings and the annual reunion. I'm so sorry I'll miss the funeral while I'm out of town.
September 30, 2010
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Connell family in this saddest of times. Tom will be remembered as a great man, soldier, role model and patriot. RIP Tom. Honor and Bill Farmen
Lucy Roth
September 30, 2010
Charlotte and family.We were sorry to hear about Tom.Think of the great reunion he and Beth and love ones are having."IN THE GARDEN OF YOUR MEMORIES,HAPPY MOMENTS ARE THE BRIGHTEST BLOSSOMS",AND I'M SURE YOU HAVE MANY OF HIM.You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Ken and Lucy Roth
Ted Cimral
September 30, 2010
Char,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Tom is now God's copilot and is "Still...Above The Best."
Transportation Corps Aviation Association (TCAA).
Robert & Kathy Backus
September 30, 2010
Chris and the Connell Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Keeping his memories close will help you through your grief.
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