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Bruce Connal Obituary
Born in Nyack, NY to Mathilde Connal and the late Allan Bruce Connal, he was raised in Old Greenwich, Ct. Bruce was one of the first producers at ESPN in 1979 and went on to produce a wide range of live sports around the world including collegiate and professional baseball, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, football, hockey, and mixed martial arts.
Bruce established his own company, Legend Productions, which broadcast an array of live events, from the Running of the Bulls, in Pamplona Spain, to the North American Scrabble Championship, and, of special interest to him, the Pillsbury Bake Off.
Bruce was a gourmet cook and lifelong athlete, especially leading morning pond hockey with family and friends. Besides his mother Mathilde of Hilton Head, SC, Bruce is survived by his wife Karen, children Tyler, of Philadelphia, and Carly and Trevor, of New York City, sisters Christine, Susan, Catherine, Diane, and Linda, and brothers Allan and Scott.
Funeral services will be held March 9 at 1pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Academy School at trinityday.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Connal
Sponsored by the family.
April 7, 2018
Thank you for all your contributions to the sporting world. Congrats on being inducted into the UFC hall of fame!
ChurchOf WhatsHappeningNow
April 7, 2018
Congrats on the UFC Hall of Fame
March 15, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family, may you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort in this difficult time (Isiah 26:19)
March 12, 2018
My sincerest condolences to the Connal family.
I had the pleasure of working with Bruce and his brother Al at the Howie Meeker Hockey Schools in Stanstead, Quebec for several years in the late'70's. Terrific guys both.
I am saddened by Bruce's passing and share the family's grief.
Matthew Halpin
Palmer Family
March 11, 2018
The Palmer family sends its condolences and prayers to the Connal family for Bruce's passing. We wish you strength and peace at this time.
Seth Madway
March 9, 2018
From my Facebook post:
A tribute to Bruce Connal.
It was late summer 1994. A production company in New England had an emergency need for a TD for a Cleveland Browns pre-season game. Someone in Buffalo gave them my name, and I was able to help. This was the first time I would work with the Connal family.
The game was produced by Bruce Connal, and directed by his father Scotty. I don't recall it being a particularly complex production, and all went fine.
For whatever reason, Bruce apparently liked me. As many can attest, that was not always easy to achieve, but when it did, the result was often positive.
The MLB strike had started, and ESPN was covering the minor league, mostly with games featuring Michael Jordan. Bruce asked Donna Shackett to crew me on his games. This was my introduction to Donna and the start of one of my most important professional relationships.
In September, Donna asked my availability for 5 fall weekends. ESPN was going to take one of its studio shows on the road. The show was College GameDay, and the rest as they say is history.
Bruce and I were not done. For several seasons we would work together on ESPN's NHL. It was on those shows that I witnessed him not only as a great producer, but also as a great mentor. There are many whose career success was enhanced because Bruce took them under his wing.
It has been too many years since I was last blessed with the opportunity to work with Bruce, but he will forever remain in my thoughts and heart.
Thanks Bruce for initiating my quarter century relationship with ESPN.
Condolences to the family. May his memory be of blessing.
March 9, 2018
I am shocked and saddened at the passing of my friend and classmate at GHS, Bruce Connal. The class of '75 had many outstanding and successful graduates and Bruce was one of them. The testimonials to how he helped so many people in the television industry is all you need to know about what a super guy Bruce was.
In my senior year of High School I made a football all-star team and we were invited to Shea Stadium to watch a Jets game. We went in through the Press entrance and I saw Bruce. He congratulated me and said he was working. I heard someone say, "Bruce, are you ready?" It was Curt Gowdy! He got in the elevator between Curt and Al DeRogotis, the color commentator. He gave me a little wave and his smile and went up to spot the game. That image is in my head for the rest of my life. My sincerest condolences to the whole Connal family and all the people like me who will miss seeing him.
Brian Moylan
Falls Church VA
peter blank
March 9, 2018
I worked with Bruce during the birth of ESPN.
Always a true professional broadcaster, he set a standard for all of us in this profession.
Peter Blank
Erik Hedling
March 8, 2018
The Connal Family always made me feel welcome to their home. Peace. Erik Hedling. Old Greenwich
Larry Cirillo
March 8, 2018
Sorry to hear about Bruce's passing. He was too young, still had more to give to the television audiences which he did so well at ESPN for so many years. I know the Connal family so well because Bruce's father, Scotty, was the person instrumental in my career. I can never forget all the things that the Connal family did for me over the years. After my career at NBC Sports I worked for many years with Al Connal, Bruce's brother. I have so many memories of the Connal family that I could fill up two books if anyone is interested in contacting me. I will miss Bruce and the family tremendously and I know they will get through this like they have almost anything. God Bless all of you.
Larry Cirillo 407-948-2030
in
Margot Reyes
March 8, 2018
My most sincere condolences to the Connal family, my thoughts and prayers are with You during this difficult time.
March 8, 2018
Our condolences to all of Bruce's family..
Harry, Danny and Peter Catanzaro
Ken Covo
March 8, 2018
I had the privilege of working with Bruce (and Allan) some forty years ago at the Howie Meeker Hockey School in Stanstead, Quebec.
He made a lasting impression with his sense of humor and his open and friendly approach to life.
I am very sad to hear of his passing and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Anne Cahill-Connolly
March 8, 2018
One of the brightest memories of my growing up in OG was getting to know the entire Connal family, and what a house full it was! I was blessed to be able to spend time with all of you and my heart goes out to every one of you at this difficult time.
Melanie Rock
March 7, 2018
Sending my love and prayers to all the Connal family.
Jason Reppenhagen
March 7, 2018
My deepest sympathies to the Connal family.
It was an honor and a privilege to have known and worked with Bruce... his legacy and impact will never be forgotten.
John Sulser
March 7, 2018
Sincerest condolences to the Connal family and everyone who knew Bruce. He was an amazing producer and an even better friend.
Dinner on the beach in Natal. One of my favorite UFC memories with Bruce
March 7, 2018
March 7, 2018
To the Connal family,
With my sincerest sympathies,
Matthew Halpin
Laura Gray Hollins
March 7, 2018
Dear Connal family,
I so enjoyed this family while living in NYC and always welcomed at a holiday table if I did not go home. I am thinking of all of you, having lost my father a few years ago, and am a stand for all of you from Tennessee.
I plan on a visit with Til in the near future.
I am sorry for your loss, and I couldn't begin to count the laughter moments I have had with this family.
I will sprinkle roses petals on my dad's grave today at the time of the service in honor of Bruce and all of you. Love each other and practice self care.
Much love,
Laura
Tony Andrea
March 6, 2018
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Bruce's passing. He was an excellent producer and one of the good guys in our business. We shared a love of hockey with the Connal family, and my sons enjoyed and will never forget the pick up games on the frozen Mianus River with Bruce, his brothers, and his dad, Scotty.
RIP Bruce
Carlos Juarez
March 6, 2018
Amazing person always had a smile on his face and was helpful; from the first time we met. Will miss hearing his voice from the truck.
Frank Gatto
March 6, 2018
We will all miss Bruce; he touched so many of our lives.Knowing him and working with him was a great privilege.
Francois Lemay
March 5, 2018
To a great man who was always there for others.
It was a privilege to have worked with you and to have known you.
Merci mon ami pour tout et repose en paix!
Your French Canadian friend,
François
Jason Eible
March 5, 2018
My condolences to the Connal family.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Bruce. He was part of a special family I share with many of you in the industry. Bruce had a special way of exuding confidence in his team. That confidence was comforting during stressful times. I hope his family and friends can remember and experience the same comfort during this stressful time.
Will always miss you Bruce!
Cathie Hunt
March 5, 2018
My best memories of Bruce is our crazy times on Sunday Night baseball...the laughs we had along the way. He loved his friends, his family and working in this crazy business of ours. You could always count on him to say something off the wall to make you laugh. My condolences to the entire Connal family...I will keep you all in my prayers.
Peter Addams
March 5, 2018
Missing you Bruce.
March 5, 2018
On behalf of President and Head of School, Christian Cashman, I offer my deepest sympathy on the passing of Bruce Connal. Bruce, along with his brother Allan Connal and family, is a valued member of the Northwest Catholic community, so we mourn Bruce's loss along with all who love him. Please know that we will remember Bruce and his entire family in a special way at our next school-wide Mass. We are very sorry for your loss. ~ Jane Leary, Director of Constituent Relations, Northwest Catholic High School.
March 4, 2018
Bruce and I grew up together in Greenwich, CT. When I picture him in my mind's eye, here's what I happily see: slightly slouched posture in comfortable baggy attire, hands in pockets, tousled hair, dancing eyes and that relaxed, inclusive, signature Connal grin. Never, ever was Bruce not smiling or laughing. He was the most genuine individual I ever met. No one who met Bruce didn't like him immediately. He had a guileless magnetism, the likes of which will not be seen again. The world is a less incandescent place without him in it.
-- Eve Nadel Catarevas
Westport, CT
Scott Pentoney
March 4, 2018
My condolences to the Connal family...a member of our ESPN family. It was a pleasure working with Bruce & Al (of ConCom) to help bring high quality productions to sports fans around the globe in the late 90's/early 00's. You have a strong, loving family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
March 4, 2018
He had a big impact on my career. He will be greatly missed and we share in your sorrow of Bruce's passing much too soon. God bless you all, thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Todd Harris.
North Ogden Utah
Kathryn Ouellette
March 4, 2018
Sending love and prayers to the Connal family. We thought so highly of Bruce during our hockey days with the boys and are so very saddened by the news of his passing. Keeping you all in our hearts. ❤
Marcel, Kathryn, Tim & Jillian
The Ouellette Family
Rosa Gatti
March 4, 2018
Gone too soon. I will never forget your engaging smile, Bruce! Prayers for comfort for all your family and friends.
Annie Gray
March 4, 2018
My dear Bruce you will be missed my thoughts and heart goes out to your family... One of my favorite memories of you Bruce is at your father's memorial service in your parents home, I was in the corner crying and you came over and hugged me and told me it was all right..thank you bruce..
John and Carol Hatlelid
March 4, 2018
Karen and Family, We send our deepest sympathy to you. Words can't take the heartbreak away, but we hope the beautiful legacy of love he left for his family, example he always set for others and his zest for life help you thru this difficult time. Bruce was a special man who helped, inspired and befriended more people in his lifetime than any of us could ever hope to do. Those things and your special memories will live forever.
March 4, 2018
The term "One-of-a-Kind" is used freely but truly accurate in describing Bruce Connal.
Forever grateful for hiring me for my first ESPN assignment in 1987 kicking off a personal and professional friendship which extended over three decades and included collaboration on many projects within ESPN as well as a few outside.
It is nearly impossible to recall an experience with Bruce and not smile. May the entire Connal family be comforted knowing his impact on those he touched will continue to live on.
- Vic Morren
Bruce Taylor
March 4, 2018
Bruce was a legend in the television industry. I was proud to know him, learn from him and call him a friend. My Love to all of the Connal's.
March 4, 2018
My sincere condolences. May the God of all comfort strengthen you all during this difficult time. Rom 15:4
JD
Ed Smith
March 4, 2018
To the entire Connal family: No words can ever take away the sorrow we are all experiencing. There were a group of us at Ithaca that had a life long bond that will never be broken. We will continue to pray for Bruce and for you his wonderful family. God Bless you all! Ed & Barb Smith (Smitty)
Dan Clarke
March 4, 2018
Dear Connal Family
I am so sorry for your loss. You all are a great family and Mr. Connal will bless you from above.
Sincerely,
Dan Clarke
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