MCCONNELL, Frederick

9/24/1948 - 11/16/2019

Third generation Tucsonan, Salpointe 66', University of Arizona Retired Teacher, T.U.S.D., governing board member, Youth on Their Own, Educational Enrichment Foundation.Estella (mother), Jack (father), Pam (ex-wife), Carolyn (sister), Bill (brother), Michael (nephew), Rick (nephew) have led the way.Janet (partner), Roni, Andrea, Raquel (nieces), Ron, Chuck, Rick (nephews), Gabriel, Maria, Caesar, (godchildren), along with many friends who are as close as family, are still playing down here on Terra Firma.There have been bumps in the road that I credit to my own ignorance and/or selfishness (hopefully I have been forgiven).The low points have been outweighed by memories of adventure and love.Woodrow, quite a party" Lonesome DoveA segment of Augustus' final words to his best friend Woodrow.All are welcomed to attend a party celebrating our network of love and friendship on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at The Hut, 305 N. 4th Ave., between 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to share memories, stories and exaggerations. Arrangements by ANGEL VALLEY FUNERAL HOME.

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

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 1, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Mcconnell

19 Entries

Jodi

March 15, 2025

Student I just found out the last time I talked to him on the phone I was In Indiana, I let him know that I was doing OK and I was just now checking up on him to let him know. I´m still doing OK. He taught me so much and he he let me have my kids present why he taught me because I was teenage mother Help me get my high school diploma with the sa of Arizona. I couldn´t have made it at all without him. I wish I would´ve talked to him more on the phone. I wish I could´ve called him more but I was just so busy thank you God for this man you made her wonderful !

Nathan Foster

December 7, 2019

A man of integrity

Ron Lee

December 5, 2019

oh Fred ,you were one of the kindest man I ever knew.Thanks for having been in my life. Ron Lee

December 5, 2019

Fred, what a wonderful human being. You will be missed. God Bless You.
Frank Davis '68

Andy&Agnes Poore

December 3, 2019

One of the truly kindest individuals we have ever known. He will be missed by many.

Charles Phillips

December 3, 2019

Well done, Fred.
Charlie Phillips, class of '66.

Susan Cota

December 3, 2019

Fred, my dear friend, my great supporter, my teacher. My heart is deeply saddened, joyed, and in awe as I reflect on how you impacted my life.
I was one of many underprivileged Latina young mothers who had fallen into a statistic and I ended up at Senior High Accommodations. Fred, I look back to 1997 and I don't remember how you helped me pass math. I can only remember how you sat with me and listened, no matter the conversation you were a soul that was present and in the moment. Your purpose was great to us, because you provided what we did not have in our homes, support, family, compassion...love. We always asked you how you felt about not having children of your own and you stated that WE were your children. In meeting the needs of our brokenness, we succeeded in passing high school. A goal we would've never accomplished without you working outside social norms and guidelines.
You assisted us all one time or another, once you bought me diapers when I had no money, and you were present at my son's birth when there was no one. May God bless your soul immensely my beautiful friend Fred. I am a college graduate and professional now because you showed compassion when I needed it the most.

joe steffen,class 66

December 3, 2019

fred,thanks for your friendship,hope to meet again on the other side,RIP

Julie Way

December 2, 2019

You will be missed Fred.

Salpointe Catholic High School

December 2, 2019

The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to the McConnell family. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.

Joe Manemann

December 2, 2019

Friendship is what Fred was all about.
We were friends for 57 years.
He was my best friend and probably so to many others, whether they knew it or not.
We were simpatico. He made it easy.
Fred was no angel, but he may well have been a saint. He did so many things for so many people it is really hard to imagine how he fit it all in.
He saved a lot of people, too, over the years. In many an instance, it would have been considered a miracle.
So, I'm going with the saint thing.
I will miss him very much. Now, I can only hope to see him "on the flip side".
Fred had a lot of humility. Under the radar, hopefully unnoticed, was his way.
He wouldn't even like someone talking about him this long.
So, when you hear the word "friend", think of Fred. I know I will. He would like that.
Adios, amigo. Rest in peace.

Martha Medina

December 1, 2019

With heavy and sad heart I'd like to honor a very important person with whom I had to Honor/privilege to work for and with. He was my boss but he never treated me as if he was superior, he is the most decent and respectful human being I have meet and work with. He would refer to me "as his colleague" . I enjoyed so much working with him and learning from him and from every student ever attended P.A.C.E Alternative High School. The best job anyone could ever have and the best team lead by Fred McConnell. We worked together for about 8 years until he retired, I remember work didn't even feel like a job, it was just a very rewarding and great adventure working in Fred's team with all those teens from all over Tucson. I have great memories of all the educational hikes and field trips we took our students to: Madera Canyon, to Desert Museum, the Reid Park Zoo, Kartchern Caverns, The YMCA, several places and Labs within the UofA, Fortlowell museum, DeGrazia, Az State museum, Pima Air Museum...

His motto was "Students don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care!"

And Fred cared so much for everyone.

I want to once again thank Robert McKay and Linda Schloss, TUSD Alternative Ed Co-Principals, for hiring in the early 2000's to work with Fred McConnell at P.A.C.E.

If I had the opportunity I would do it again.

Fred you will forever be in our memories and hearts!

Fred, Until we meet again ... iam sure we'll lead again many many more hikes and field trips.

Pam Francis

December 1, 2019

Fred's students stayed in touch long after they left his class, a testament to how much they treasured his presence. Fred was more authentic than most, and brought a valuable perspective to every group he encountered. We will miss him, his good deeds, and his wicked sense of humor.

Robert MacKay

December 1, 2019

Fred gave freely of himself and asked for nothing but friendship in return. He is greatly missed by all who had the good fortune to cross his path.

Vicki Balentine

December 1, 2019

Fred was a very special person who cared deeply for his students. More of us should aspire to care like he did. Rest In Peace, Fred.

Most Sincerely,
Vicki Balentine

Mark Wilson

December 1, 2019

Rest in peace my Horizon Corp friend.

Brenda Noli

December 1, 2019

Rest peacefully my friend now that you are free from any medical issue that hindered your earthly lifestyle.
You will forever remain in my fondest memories.❤

December 1, 2019

Fred, your gracious manner , sincere interest in the many facets of student lives to assist them in getting their education was such a valuable necessity to our Project MORE family. Enjoy your new exploration as you enjoyed hiking all around Mother Earth. You will be sorely missed.
Marlys

John Casciato

December 1, 2019

Fred was one of the most decent human beings I've ever known.

Despite spending most of my teaching career in Alternative Education, I occasionally caught myself slipping into traditional mode. I found the best remedy for that was to spend time with Fred and his crew at Cherry Field/Senior High Accommodation/PACE. Even a brief visit was a 120-joule jolt, putting me back in the proper rhythm.

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