Andrew James Connell

1965 - 2021

Andrew James Connell, a lifelong resident of Pittston, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, New York, N.Y., after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 55 years old.

Born in Pittston on Dec. 26, 1965, Andrew was the loving son of Mary Lucille Gilson Connell and the late William Francis Connell Jr., grandson of the late Dr. William F. and Mary Lawler Connell and the late Thomas and Lucille Gilson.

A 1984 graduate of Seton Catholic High School, Andy then studied information technology in college.

Andy was extremely proud of his service in the U.S. Reserves and served 32 years in the Army as a mechanic and IT specialist, as most evident through his Army and veteran wardrobe and caps.

Andy was employed as a human resource assistant for the North East Pennsylvania Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Battalion at the University of Scranton (ROTC), resulting in hundreds of new officers for the Army over the course of his career.

Andy was humble, loyal and a genuinely good person who will be forever missed by family and friends.

With his dry wit, he had a memorable sense of humor. He had a large heart bestowing his kindness upon anyone in need. To know Andrew was certainly to love him.

Andy was a lifelong car enthusiast and a thrifty negotiator; you never knew what kind of car he would be driving to work that day. Andy also loved his Harley Davidson, especially taking slow cruises through Falls Twp. and beyond.

Andrew was a man of service and held a position as an officer at American Legion Post #477, Pittston, a member of the West Side Social Club, Avoca, and a member of the Lithuanian Club, Exeter. A familiar face throughout the valley, he was also a member of numerous pool, dart and bowling leagues as well.

He loved his sports and long remained a loyal, energetic fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Andy is survived by his siblings, Gabriella Falvo, Kingston; Thomas Connell, Pittston; retired Lt. Col. Mary Connell, Mechanicsburg; and Courtney McKitish and husband, Eric, Pittston; a sister-in-law, Ann Connell, Scranton; and dear nieces and nephews.

Brothers, William F. Connell III and an infant, Thomas Connell also preceded him in death.

His family would like to collectively thank Dr. Bruce Saidman and Dr. Philip Webb and their staffs along with the entire staff of Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital for the care, compassion and kindness given to both Andrew and his family. His family would also like to especially thank Andrew's loyal friends and family who were always there to support him in countless ways throughout his illness.

Funeral services with military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard are scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday from Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, followed by a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William St., Pittston, to be celebrated by the Rev. Joseph Elston, pastor. Private interment will be in the parish cemetery. Family and friends may pay their respects between 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Andrew's name to either St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William St., Pittston, PA 18640, or with respect to Andrew's adoration for his animals, to the SPCA of Luzerne County, c/o 524 E. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Please visit the funeral home's website for directions or to leave a condolence.