Obituary of Robert Solomon McConnell

It is with great sadness the family of Robert McConnell, husband of the late Helen McConnell, announces his passing on Friday, April 10, 2015 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on November 23, 1927 he was a son of the late Robert and Mabelle (Shaw) McConnell. Robert assumed ownership of Mitchell McConnell Ltd. from his father, and worked faithfully until his retirement in 1989. He was the first president of the Insurance Institute of New Brunswick. Robert was a great supporter of Portland United Church for many years. He was a member of many local organizations, including PROBUS, The Shriners and also the Jesters, the Rothesay Rotary Club, the Saint John Executive Association, and he was also a past member of the Riverside Country Club and Westfield Golf Club, as well as past president of the St. Patrick's Society. He will be missed by his children Robert (Susan) McConnell, Randall McConnell (Barbara) and Cynthia Shaw (William); grandchildren Kelly Rogers (Andrew), Andrew Shaw (Sarah), Peter Shaw (Kaitlin Callaghan), and Evan & Nicholas McConnell; a great granddaughter Carly Rogers; one sister Lois Smith (Ronald); a brother-in-law Jack Brannen; as well as several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In addition to his wife, Helen, and his parents, Robert was predeceased by his siblings Gertrude Pennock (Allen), Eleanor McConnell, James McConnell, Barbara Brannen and Jean McConnell. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) with visiting on Friday April 17, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10:00 am from Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel. A private family interment will take place at Fernhill Cemetery a later date. For those who wish, remembrances to the Palliative Care Unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital, Bobby’s Hospice, or any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.