John CONNELL Obituary

CONNELL, John A. "Jack" 91, was born Nov. 7, 1922 in Govan, Scotland. He died peacefully on Jan. 27, 2014 while in hospice care at home in Newfane, VT. He came to America as a school boy and settled in Bay Ridge, NY. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became an aerial gunner on a B24 bomber. While training at Westover Air Base in Massachusetts, he met the love of his life, Rose Marie (Ree) O'Connell. After the war, they were married at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Springfield, MA on May 4, 1946 and spent a wonderful 67 years together. Jack immediately went to work for New England Telephone where he started as a lineman and retired as a manager after 38 years. They moved to Dunedin in 1989. He was a life member of the DAV, American Legion Post 275 in Dunedin and the Elks Lodge 1525. He was a member of the Scottish American Society and the Dunedin Boat Club. In July 2013, he and Ree moved to live with their son, George, and his spouse in Newfane, VT. Jack started hospice care immediately and he and Ree enjoyed a wonderful summer, fall and early winter in their new home in Newfane. He leaves his beloved wife, Ree; a daughter, Susan Bachmann of Lunenburg, MA and her companion Kris Hansen; a son, Bruce of Santé Fe, NM and his wife Jinx; a son, John G. of Shelton, WA; and a son, George of Newfane, VT and his spouse Thad Bennett; 2 granddaughters, Jennifer Gemme and husband Rich and Erin Boudreau and husband Tom; 3 great grandsons, Riley, Andrew and Jack; a sister, Anne of Scottsdale, AZ and widow of Jack Egan; brother, Alan and wife Phyllis of Delaware; many nieces and nephews and their children as well as cousins in Scotland and England. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Cecelia Connell; Ree's parents, George and Florence O'Connell; sister, Julia Ashton; and sister-in-law, Lillian Constine, wife of Clesson. A Celebration of Life for Jack will be held at the American Legion in Brattleboro, VT on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in thanksgiving for their wonderful care to VNA and Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire, 1 Hospital Court, Bellows Falls, VT 05101. A Mass of Remembrance and burial will be at the discretion of the family.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Jan. 30, 2014.
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4 Entries

Condolence, Mr.Connell was great neighbor. I remember boating with my buddy Jackie when we were,"Bloody Lads".It's been many years,but a strong man legacy lingers. Be well y"ALL.

Brian OPITZ

January 31, 2014

He was a wonderful man who was always cheerful and smiling. I have many fond memories of Jack and my heart is heavy with his passing. My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family during this difficult time.

Michael Foster

January 30, 2014

What a wonderful man, Jack. I hold many fond memories from childhood, my Dad and he were very good friends. I am so sad for your loss. You will all be in my prayers. Jack and his smile and sense of humor will be missed greatly.

Joan Harvey Damore

January 30, 2014

All of our hearts are heavy for the loss of a wonderful man. We share in your heartache and please know all of you have been in our thoughts and prayers as we absorb the sad news of Jack's passing. Great memories, a million laughs,numerous pictures of captured moments to be treasured forever, Doris and all the Hubbard's are with you at this difficult time.

Barry Hubbard

January 29, 2014

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