Obituary of John J. McConnell

Chestertown: John J. McConnell, 90, of Theriot Avenue, passed away peacefully, Thursday, February 23, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born January 8, 1927 in the Bronx, he was the son of the late Walter Sr. and Elizabeth (Benton) McConnell. Following his graduation from Indian Lake High School, John proudly served his country with the United States Marines during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Following his military service, John went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree at Canton ATC and soon after, began working with General Electric in Schenectady. He began utilizing his degree in engineering, working for several local construction companies including Torrington Construction and A.P. Reale. He married Judy C. Freebern on October 22, 1960. John was very proud of his military heritage and was a long time active member of the Chestertown American Legion, Post 964. He was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Besides spending time with his family, he enjoyed working in his well-manicured yard and bowling with his family and friends on the local bowling league. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his son, James McConnell, son-in-law, Charles Gangemi, brothers, Walter McConnell, Jr. and Thomas McConnell, and his sister-in-law, Mary McConnell. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy McConnell of Chestertown; his sons, John W. McConnell (Laura) of VA, Robert McConnell of NJ; his daughters, Sharon Gangemi of NC, Kim, Lori, and Missy McConnell, all of Chestertown; grandsons, LCpl Travis McConnell and John Viera; granddaughters, Gina Vitiello, Maria and Angela Gangemi, Cayley and Alysa McConnell and Maddy Jansky; his great-grandchildren, Joe, Mia, and Stevie Vitiello; sister-in-law, Thelma “Stub” McConnell, and Michael Ross, Jr., whom John always thought of as a son, as well as several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on John’s family from 4 to 7 pm, Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Members of the Chestertown American Legion, Post 964 will conduct a brief service to honor their fallen comrade at 4:30 pm, at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Monday at St. Isaac Jogues RC Church, 85 Riverside Drive, Chestertown with Fr. John Kirwin, officiating. Rite of committal will take place in Chester Rural Cemetery in the spring at a time to be announced. His family would like to extend a special thank you to Laurie Nuwer for the outstanding care she provided to John and his family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to North Warren EMS, 2 Cougar Ln., Chestertown, NY 12817. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.