Harold Harper McConnell Jr.

January 5, 1921 – December 14, 2009

Born in St. Louis, the son and grandson of Presbyterian ministers, he attended Edgewood High School in Pittsburgh, Monmouth College and Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary. He later received, alongside his twin brother Jim, an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Monmouth College.

Harold (Mac) was ordained to the ministry in 1945 and served Presbyterian congregations in Blairsville, Pa., Wilmington, Del., New Castle, Pa., St. Clair Shores, Mich., Washington, Pa., Pittsburgh, Pa., Madison, Wis., Philadelphia, Pa., Canonsburg, Pa., Bethel Park, Pa., New Bern and Pollocksville. He served in the U.S. Navy as a chaplain in World War II and the U.S. Army in Ulm, Germany, during the Korean War. He retired as Colonel from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard after 35 years of duty.

He was married to Susan Campbell of Washington, Pa., for 42 years and to Sara Higgon of New Bern for 20 years. Along with his wife, Sally, he is survived by four sons, Harold H. McConnell III (Sandra) of Sparta, Mich., Robert C. McConnell (Jennifer) of Manhattan, Kansas, James J. McConnell of Polk, Pa., and Stephen D. McConnell (Amanda) of Sarasota, Fla.; three stepsons, Abraham L. Key (Susan) of Washington, Pa., Andrew H. Key (Jeanmarie) of Tijeras, N.M., and David B. Key (Karen) of Land O' Lakes, Fla..; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Harold, Robert and Stephen followed their father into the Presbyterian ministry.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church of New Bern with the Rev. William Hawkins officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601 (alz.org), First Presbyterian Church Foundation, P.O. Box 1075, New Bern, NC 28563 or a charity of one's choice.

Those wishing to offer condolences may do so at pollockbest.com.

Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations is assisting the McConnell Family.