Francis X. Connell

Frank is predeceased by his parents, Francis & Mary Connell. He peacefully passed away on December 30, 2023 at age 74 surrounded by his wife of 51 years, Bonnie (Bleier) Connell; children, Daniel (Sarah) Connell, Deana (Mark) Olles, and Courtney (Bill) Ferrell; grandchildren, William, Charlie Connell, Andrew, Ayla Olles, Dillon, Liam Ferrell. Frank is the oldest of six siblings; Edward "Pete" (Cathy) Connell, Mary "Betsy" Rall, Richard "Dick" (Kippy) Connell, Timothy Connell, William Connell; sister-in-law Linda (Bob) Cooley; several nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends.
Frank was a well-known teacher in Greece Central Schools for many years and taught at several schools in the district. His students remember him as someone who taught more than the curriculum and as someone who impacted their lives beyond the classroom. A gentle giant, he will be missed by his family and friends.
Frank's life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 1:00-4:00 PM, at 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 in Frank's name.
Remembering Frank:
Frank grew up in Newburgh, NY in a big Irish family. 6 children and their parents lived together in a small, but happy, home.
Frank attended SUNY Brockport and earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. While attending college, Frank played football for the Brockport Eagles. Later in life, he would start a group of football alumni and name the group the "Gray Eagles". This group attended Brockport football events such as homecoming, gathered for dinners and coffee, and constantly communicated via email about their memories while on the field at Brockport.
Frank met his future wife, Bonnie, during his time at Brockport. They would marry the year after meeting and lived a happily married life for 51 years. The two were best friends and did almost everything together, including becoming a successful canoe racing team. They raised a happy family and built a loving home together.
After graduation, Frank went on to become a teacher in the Greece Central School district where he taught at multiple schools for more than 30 years. He taught grades K-6 and was known as a highly influential teacher to all those who sat in his classroom. Frank is remembered as having been a teacher of curriculum, but also of life. A large group of his colleagues still gather on a weekly basis for coffee, remembering their teaching days and he was a large part of organizing this.
In his summers, Frank would serve as an umpire for local baseball and softball games, build decks with two of his closest friends, taking his children camping and cheering them on at their sporting events. Later in life, he spent most of this summertime at the river house with his family on the boat, exploring and watching for the ships to pass.
Frank is the father of 3 children and grandfather of 6. He has many nieces and nephews. All of his family remember him as a kind, caring, attentive man who thrived in social interaction. He was a man who played with his children and grandchildren and gave them all of his time and attention.
A lover of hot dogs, rice pudding, chocolate-covered Oreos, root beer floats and black and white cookies, reading, writing, canoeing, bicycling, boating, roughhousing and playing with his little ones; Frank will be gravely missed.