Richard G. Connell Jr.

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University of Florida

Richard Connell Obituary

CONNELL, DR. RICHARD G.,

Gainesville - Dr. Richard G. Connell, Jr. passed away at home on November, 7, 2007. He was born in Richmond, VA on January 3, 1938 to Richard and Alice Connell. He is survived by his wife Linda Lane Connell of 47 years, two children, Deborah C. Burchette (Bill), of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and Richard G. Connell, III (Vickie), of Gainesville, Florida. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Reed and Grant Burchette of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Richard, Justin, and Matthew Connell of Ocala, FL, Carrie and Conner Connell of Gainesville, FL

Dr. Connell graduated with a B.S. and M.S. degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (V.P.I.) where he was a member of the ROTC Cadet Corps. He moved his family to Gainesville in 1965, to study under Dr. Frederick N. Rhines and earned a PhD from the University of Florida in Metallurgical Engineering in 1973.

At retirement in 2004 Dr. Connell served as Associate Chairman and Associate Professor, of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida.

Affectionately known as "Doc" to his students and colleagues he served as Faculty advisor to the student AIME Chapter, Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Faculty Advisor for the Benton Engineering Council and various other committees within the Engineering College. Dr. Connell played a vital role in the building and renovation of Rhines Hall at the University of Florida.

He had a great interest and respect for the military and was honored to serve on the Advisory Committee for the University of Florida Navy ROTC. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Mu serving as National President and as Secretary/Treasurer. He was inducted as a Life Member in the American Society for Metals and was active in TMS-AIME. He was also a member of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, Sigma Xl, and Tau Beta Pi.

In 1985 in recognition of his outstanding teaching qualities he was awarded "Teacher of the Year" by the College of Engineering and in 1989 "Advisor of the Year" for the College. The University of Florida awarded him a "Teaching Incentive" Award in 1993 and 1996. The Metallurgical Society (TMS) honored him with their "Distinguished Service" Award in 1994.

He was a registered Professional Engineer and consulted for many Companies and on various cases throughout his career.

"Doc" had a passion for teaching, enjoyed working with his students, always had an open door and a good joke.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Richard G. Connell, Jr. Undergraduate Scholarship Fund. In care of Florida Foundation, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 100 Rhines Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 4:00 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS DOWNTOWN FUNERAL HOME, 404 North Main Street, with Chaplain Glen Busby officiating.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

WILLIAMS-THOMAS DOWNTOWN

(352) 376-7556

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gainesville Sun from Nov. 11 to Nov. 13, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Connell

7 Entries

Kathy Fuller Strickland

November 27, 2007

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Chris Tokarz

November 14, 2007

It's not everyday that you get to meet someone as unique and wonderful as Doc. I'm sad for those who won't get the opportunity to have learned under him.

Terri, Elaine Celia,Melaine and Bob

November 14, 2007

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Becky Allen

November 13, 2007

I remember Dick as a wonderful customer and friend who came into our bank and made us all feel special. He had such a gentle way about him, never pushy or demanding. We had the pleasure of having Debbie work with us for several years. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Michael Kaufman

November 12, 2007

Doc meant a lot to a lot of people over the years. I showed up in 1989 with several students from the west coast and Doc quickly became a mentor and friend to me and my students. When I left in 2004 around the time Doc retired, I had been able to observe many students go through our program and I was proud of the department's success in becoming one of the best MSE prorams in the country. This success was due to the efforts of many and certainly Doc's commitment to our students played a huge role. While he is already missed by many former students all over the world, there is no doubt that his legacy will continue for many years to come. My sincere condolences to Linda and all of the family. May you find peace in this time of transition and mourning.

Pete Fancher

November 11, 2007

Dick and Linda Connell were our neighbors when we first started out as a young married couple in Gainesville and the short five years that we lived next door to them watching Debbie and Rich grow and seeing Dick put in long hours each day preparing his thesis for his PhD were fun filled times. Linda shared many of her "country dishes" with us , (biscuits to die for) and it was hard moving away from such great people.
Dick always impressed me with the strong southern tradition of being a gentleman at all times, with honor and dignity.
He will be missed but remembered always through the many students that he trained who are now out in the world working hard due to his influence and instruction.

Wendy Verink-Terhune

November 11, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. We will always have many wonderful memories of our times together.
Ellis D. Verink, Jr., Martha O. Verink, Wendy Verink-Terhune, Doug Terhune, Barbara Verink, Bryce and Cody. (Cody remembers the football BBQs)

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