Philip J. Connell

Norfolk - Commander Philip J. Connell, USN(ret), CLU, ChFC, CASL of Norfolk, VA passed away January 27, 2014. Born in Norwich, CT on December 08, 1933, he was preceded in death by his son, Philip J. (Rusty) Connell, Jr on April 20, 1981. Left to cherish Phil's memory is widow Sheila Donahoe Connell, formerly of Baltic, CT; daughter Julianne (Julie) Connell Lessig; older brother Colonel Charles R. Connell, III, USA(ret) and wife Roberta of New Smyrna Beach, FL; sister Diane Connell Marchand and husband Norman C. (Chuck) of Midlothian, VA, brother David A. Connell and wife Nancy of Severna Park, MD; and sixteen nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Phil and shared many adventures with him. Phil retired from the U.S. Navy in 1975 after 21 years of service as a Naval Aviator. Following his naval career, Phil became a life insurance agent with the New York Life Insurance Company. He received the Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living designations from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. Phil attended the University of CT (UCONN) completing his BS degree with distinction from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He received his Master's Degree in Administration from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Phil earned his Eagle Scout award at age 13, was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity, a member of the Knights of Columbus and past Grand Knight of Council #367 (the "First Council in the South"), a member of the Father M.J. O'Keefe Assembly of the Fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus and was an active and dedicated member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Norfolk, VA on February 13, 2014 at 10:00 in the morning. Family and friends will be received immediately following at the St. Pius X Catholic School Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, Phil asked that memorial donations be made to the Knights of Columbus KOVAR program, the Columbus Club of Norfolk Building Fund or the Norfolk Emergency Shelter program (NEST).

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Feb. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Connell

12 Entries

February 17, 2014

I'll miss our adventures Papa! love you, Julianne

February 12, 2014

phillip ...a veteran, a true knight and a true comedian.may your presence and humor resonate with the lord..youll be missed....clement s. blanco

Richard Russ

February 10, 2014

All of my sympathy to the family of Philip Connell. It sounds like he lived life to the fullest.

February 10, 2014

I would like to thank you for giving me and my family the honor of knowing Phil. He gave so much time to my mom in order give her a chance to be more mobil. He will be missed.
Stephanie Watson and daughter, Barbara McLaughlin of midlothian, Va.

February 10, 2014

The Little Creek Library Staff would like to extend our condolences to the family. Mr. Connell was a valued patron of our library and will be missed. May the family seek Christ at this time for comfort and seek family and friends for support.

Knights of Columbus 4th Degree

Fred Vaccarella

February 10, 2014

I met Phil at St.Pius at daily morning Mass.I got to know him a little more through our mutual involvement in The Knights of Columbus.
Although a brief acquaintance I am glad that I was lucky enough to have met him.
He was a kind articulate gentleman and will be sorely missed by all whose life he touched.
My condolences,sympathy & prayers for him and you the family.

MAUREEN(MCMULLAN) WOOD

February 9, 2014

CHARLIE, DIANE AND DAVID. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON YOUR BROTHER'S DEATH. I REMEMBER HIM SO WELL FROM BENTLEY AVENUE, YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS.

Steve & Suzi Stevens

February 9, 2014

Our deepest condolences to Sheila and family.
Phil will always be remembered for his pleasant smile, many stories and his willingness to help neighbors and friends.

John Escuadra

February 8, 2014

No words can convey the amount of respect and grattitude for this great man. When I first met PGK Phil, he took me under his wing and elightened me to what it took to be a good Knight and man. He had a very unique way to make his point no matter what the subject or issue at hand was. I have taken most of his sound advice and applied them to situations in my life. I will truely miss his encourgement and company. He was straight laced and was squared away in every aspect of his life. It's been a priviledge and honor to have know him. Many prayers and blessings for PGK Phil and his entire family. Vivat Jesus.

Mike Atkinson

February 8, 2014

I will miss you dearly, you were a true friend and a great mentor.

Joanie Woodard

February 8, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the Connell family. I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Connell's passing today from a friend who attends St. Pius.
My parents thought the world of him, as did I. He was such a good and patient friend to my dad over the years. He was also our trusted insurance agent for many years.
God bless you all as you learn to cope with life without your precious loved one.

Paul Pealer

February 6, 2014

My friend, pilot and Patrol Plane Commander that I flew with in my first patrol squadron. I was with him and the rest of our eleven man crew when we lost a 12 man life raft out of the left wing of the aircraft at 2,000 ft on a dark stormy night. Equipment from the raft wrapped around the horizontal stabilizer causing loss of control of the aircraft. Phil hung in there, regained control of the aircraft and got us safely home. RIP PJ.

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