COUNCIL #367 - KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NORFOLK, VA COUNCIL 367 REMEMBERS
PHILIP J CONNELL, PGK

 

Norfolk - Commander Philip J. Connell, USN(ret), CLU, ChFC, CASL of Norfolk, VA passed away January 27, 2014. Born in Norwich, CT on December 08, 1933, he was preceded in death by his son, Philip J. (Rusty) Connell, Jr on April 20, 1981. Left to cherish Phil's memory is widow Sheila Donahoe Connell, formerly of Baltic, CT; daughter Julianne (Julie) Connell Lessig; older brother Colonel Charles R. Connell, III, USA(ret) and wife Roberta of New Smyrna Beach, FL; sister Diane Connell Marchand and husband Norman C. (Chuck) of Midlothian, VA, brother David A. Connell and wife Nancy of Severna Park, MD; and sixteen nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Phil and shared many adventures with him. Phil retired from the U.S. Navy in 1975 after 21 years of service as a Naval Aviator. Following his naval career, Phil became a life insurance agent with the New York Life Insurance Company. He received the Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living designations from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. Phil attended the University of CT (UCONN) completing his BS degree with distinction from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He received his Master's Degree in Administration from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Phil earned his Eagle Scout award at age 13, was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity, a member of the Knights of Columbus and past Grand Knight of Council #367 (the "First Council in the South"), a member of the Father M.J. O'Keefe Assembly of the Fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus and was an active and dedicated member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Norfolk, VA on February 13, 2014 at 10:00 in the morning. Family and friends will be received immediately following at the St. Pius X Catholic School Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, Phil asked that memorial donations be made to the Knights of Columbus KOVAR program, the Columbus Club of Norfolk Building Fund or the Norfolk Emergency Shelter program (NEST).