Name: Visitation for Matthew J. Connell
Start: 2022-02-19T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-02-19T21:00:00.000Z
Location: William H. Kresge Funeral Home, Inc.

It is with great sadness that our family shares the passing of Dr. Matthew "Matt" J. Connell of Brodheadsville PA. Matt died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife Evelyn Baxevane of Brodheadsville, daughter Moriah, sons Alex and Gabe and a number of brothers and sisters: Kevin, Rosemary, Sean, Brian, Terry, Tim, Nora, Dan and preceded in death by brother Patrick and sister Kathleen.

Matt was born in Philadelphia on October 20, 1954 to the late Gerald Connell and Claire Connell (Wilson). Matt received a B.A. from Bloomsburg University, a M.Ed from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of North Texas. Matt spent over 25 years as the Dean of the Monroe Campus of Northampton Community College in Tannersville, PA from 1994 to his recent retirement in September of 2020. While at NCC, Matt personally impacted thousands of lives of students, faculty, staff, and many others with his 'pay it forward' attitude and complete enjoyment of helping others. Matt was instrumental in the building of the beautiful new NCC Monroe Campus that opened in 2014.

Matt was an avid drummer, photographer, baker, traveler, reader, jazz aficionado, Philadelphia sports fan, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and children.

A visitation will be held Saturday, February 19th at Kresge Funeral Home in Brodheadsville, PA from 1:00-4:00pm with a service starting at 4:00. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer - date, time, and location TBC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Matthew J. Connell Scholarship at Northampton Community College. Visit https://www.northampton.edu/online-giving.htm or call 610-332-6344.

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

Published by Morning Call on Feb. 15, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Connell

Sponsored by William H. Kresge Funeral Home, Inc..

16 Entries

JW Safranek

September 26, 2024

I think about Matt often, and have only fantastic ans cherished memories of his mentoring of me and all the students whose lives were indelibley and forever positively impacted by his energy, enthusiasm and confidence.

mady

May 15, 2023

I just saw the Matt Connell Way sign on 715. He was very helpful to me. I said a prayer for him and he was admired. Sorry to see him leave this world. I remember how very much he felt it was a privilege to be a parent. Former Student

Wanda Focht

February 27, 2022

I´m truly sorry to hear about Matt. I know he and Jeff always made time for each other. I´m sure Jeff was waiting at the gates for Matt. Praying for Evelyn and the family. May the Lord give you peace.

Maureen Tatu

February 23, 2022

May Matt Rest In Peace. My deepest sympathy to Matt´s wife and family. I got to know Matt through projects at Chestnuthill Township, and also his work at the college and in the whole Pocono & Monroe County & Northampton County communities. He was a well-respected, multi-talented, and awesome person. He faced his illnesses courageously, and his family´s devotion to him was unwavering. God bless Matt & his whole family.

Matthew Arenas

Planted Trees

Andreae and Eric Lu

Planted Trees

Kevin and Holly Overfield

February 16, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss! Sending your family hugs and prayers!

Samantha Holbert

February 16, 2022

He was a very kind, bright, and giving administrator, leader and civil servant. He will be missed...

Len Lavenda

February 16, 2022

Matt had a giant impact on the community.

I first met Matt shortly after I moved to the Poconos in the mid-90s and quickly learned that his involvement went far beyond NCC. It seemed that Matt was engaged in every important cause facing Monroe County. His devotion to the community and his leadership in addressing important, challenging needs was invaluable.

Matt left us far too soon and left a huge void that will be difficult to fill. I'll miss you Matt.

Barbara Anderson Alessandro

February 16, 2022

I am so sorry to hear about Matt. i went to grade school with Matt and we had some great times way back then. My mom would always comment on how well behaved the Connell family was at Mass every week. I told my sisters and they were sad to hear about Matt but we shared our stories of the Connell family. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...

Linnae Cintron

February 16, 2022

My condolences to Matt's family for their loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Matt for many years and was fortunate to have worked at the old NCC Monroe campus as well as the new. He was always very nice and helpful to me and I will miss him.

Hazel Carrera

February 16, 2022

My most heartfelt condolences for losing someone so special from your life. Dr. C. was the best Dean and supervisor to me. He was always supportive and kind. :'(

Stella (Argeros) Marino

February 15, 2022

Evie my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband. May his memory be eternal. Zoi se sas

Kelsey Haney

February 15, 2022

I'm very sorry for your loss. Matt was a wonderful Dean and was always a pleasure working with him at a NCC.

Tom and Cathy Braun

February 15, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Virginia Gonzalez

February 14, 2022

My deepest sympathies to all members of Matt´s family for their profound loss. Matt and I shared fun filled insults throughout his tenure at Northampton knowing that behind them was deep respect for each other. Matt will be missed

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