Richard J. "Ric" CONNELL

About

University of St. Thomas

Richard CONNELL Obituary

Age 91of Edina, MN Born 6/20/1922 ~ Died 2/22/2014 Preceded in death by infant son Joseph; grandsons TJ Madden and Spencer Connell: and brother Bruce. Survived by Helen, wife of 68 years; children Terri (Dick) Bowman, Tom (Peggy), Kate (Jim) Kurimay, Anita (Mark) Whims, Jennifer (Leon) Houle, Lisa (Mike) Flood and Tim; as well as 32 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Ric served his country proudly as a member of 3rd Battalion Army Rangers. His long recovery from war wounds, spent in Sicily, led to his conversion to Catholicism. He always claimed "the war did more for me than I did for the war." Ric was a long time professor of philosophy and logic at the University of St. Thomas. Mass of Christian Burial, Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 5900 West Lake Street, St Louis Park, on Thursday, February 27th at 11:00 am. Visitation one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to St. Clare's Monastery, 421 South 4th Street, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.

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Published by Pioneer Press from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard CONNELL

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

10 Entries

Michael Biedrzycki

May 3, 2023

Thanks Mr Connell for everything. One of my first teachers at St Thomas. I will always remember him. I will pray for you.

Joe Dorner

September 24, 2016

I'm one of Dr. Connell's former students. I'm at a conference discussing the relationship between philosophy and religion. I can't help but write I thought of Dr Connell and his books after nearly 27 years. I miss his clarity of thought and writing. I recommended several of his books today...and found this his obituary. God rest his soul. Fr. Joe Dorner, class of 1990 College of St Thomas.

Rob Strusinski

February 28, 2014

Ric was a class act gentleman in every aspect of his life as family man, teacher, and colleague. He also knew his way around the tennis court with finesse. Some of my best memories of Ric were playing along side him and from the other side of net. Rest well partner.

February 26, 2014

May the avenue of prayer bring you comfort in this time of need; Philippians. 4:6-7. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

February 24, 2014

Sorry for your loss. Ps 37:29

Fr. Paul

February 24, 2014

I will never forget my philosophy class with Dr. Connell. He was a great teacher and an even better man of God. May he rest in peace. I will offer a Mass for the repose of his soul.

Shane Drefcinski

February 24, 2014

Dear Helen and family,
I am very sorry to learn of Ric's death and offer my deepest sympathies. I was a former student of Ric's in the late 1980s. His courses and textbooks made a lasting, positive impact on my own intellectual development. I am a professor of philosophy and even now I continue to consult his writings to ensure that I properly understand Aristotle. Ric was a wise and noble man. May the Lord comfort you and grant to Ric eternal life.

Michael LaForce

February 24, 2014

As a former student of Richard J. Connell at the University of St Thomas, I have two antidotes to share: whenever you passed Professor Connell in the corridors of Aquinas Hall, regardless of the time of day, he would always blurt out a strong, "Good Morning" without fail. Another thing - his comedic nature was so dry and undistinguishable that everytime he'd tell a joke in the classroom (and no one laughed) he would laways remind us with the phrase, "that was a joke", to reinforce his lighter side.

I learned more about the importance of our existence on earth & simply just being a man from Professor Connell than any other faculty member at St Thomas. I am very grateful for the person he was in my life.

Pro Deo et Patria

Michael F LaForce
Class of 1991

February 24, 2014

Dear Helen, from 1982 to 1990, it was my honor to share a philosophy department office with Ric at St. Thomas. He was a mentor and friend to me, and taught me a whole tradition in philosophy that I had missed in college and graduate school. I sat in on two of his classes; they were wonderful! Also, some 30 years ago he was my sponsor when I was received into the Church. There are very few people in this world to whom I owe so much. May the Lord comfort you at this sad time, may good memories console you and all your family. Sincerely, Susan Krantz Gabriel (Philosophy Department, Saint Anselm College, Manchester NH)

NC Little Memorial Hospice

February 24, 2014

Dear Family and Friends of Richard Connell,

It was our privilege to provide care for your beloved Richard. We share in your grief and send you our love.

Your Friends at Little Hospice

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