Richard N. Connell

Richard N. Connell

January 07, 1939 - March 26, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON - Richard Connell, age 84, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Jan. 7, 1939, in Madison, the son of James and Elizabeth (Wagner) Connell.


Richard graduated from Madison East High School in 1957. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Germann on June 21, 1958, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Madison. Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1958 - 1961. He worked for Wisconsin Bell for over 30 years and after retirement, went to work for Oakhill Correctional Facility. Richard founded Kennedy Little League in 1979, was a past president of the Downtown Optimist Club, and was a longtime member of St. Bernard and St. Dennis Catholic Church.


Richard loved golfing, enjoyed coaching youth sports, and was an avid fan of all Wisconsin athletics. He had a love of music and attended many concerts over the years. He enjoyed his coffee clutches at the Fair Oaks Diner, the barber shop banter, and playing cards with his friends.


Richard is survived by his four children, Janie M. (Scott) Brischke, Joni (Rick Price) Connell, Linda (Randy Syftestad) Novy and Mike Connell; grandchildren, Jason, Erik, Katie, Lauren, Joshua and Kyle; great-grandchildren, Sutton and Jackson; sister, Kathy Connell; and brother, Charles (Peggy) Connell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine; parents; two brothers; a sister; and an infant daughter.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, with Father Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday.
 

The family wishes to thank friends, family and the staff of Chamomile for all of their wonderful care and support given to Richard "Pops" during his struggle with Parkinson's disease. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420


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ML
Mary Lenz
Other •
Thinking of all of you at this time. Remembering the fun shared getting together for holidays, playing cards and just being stupid. Sorry I will not be able to attend Dick’s services but please know I am thinking of you. Love, Aunt Shirley
BB
Bret Brainerd
Other •
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a great role model for me and was always there when I needed some guidance and direction as a youth. My thoughts are with all of you.
TL
The Board of Madison Kennedy Little League
Other •
Thanks for all you have done for youth baseball in the Madison area. You will be greatly missed.
A
Anonymous
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
BF
Bill frederickson
Other •
My condolences to the Connell family. Bill Frederickson
JT
Jim Thomas
Other •
I will always remember the good time I had with Dick over the years we worked at Wisconsin Bell. He was always jovial and fun to be around. I wish to express my condolences to the Connell family for your loss he was a good friend and will be truly missed. Jim Thomas

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