CONNELL, Robert Lee

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, March 29, 2010 Robert Lee Connell, 87, born Feb. 14, 1923, in Yonkers, N.Y., passed away March 25, 2010, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Memorial services will be at a later date. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, April 24, 2010 Robert L. Connell passed away on March 25, 2010. He is survived by the love of his life, Louise, his wife of nearly 60 years. Also keeping his memory are daughters Alice, Rita and Dorothy; son Robert Jr.; son-in-law Ray; daughter-in-law Julie; and three grandchildren, Jennifer, Lauren and Mallory. Robert was born to Mary and William Connell on Feb. 14, 1923, in Yonkers, N.Y. As a young man, he left New York to join the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was in love with the wilderness while building bridges, roads and lodges in Montana. At age 18, he returned to New York to enlist in the Navy. He served on numerous ships during WWII, the first ship being torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine. He planned to make a career of the Navy but, after meeting Louise at his sister Mary's wedding, requested an honorable discharge. He married Louise, daughter of John Fitzpatrick, in Yonkers, N.Y., on May 13, 1950. Robert yearned for the West and moved his family from New York to Oregon. He worked in the Northwest Redwood forests and graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology. Later he worked until retiring as an engineer for the United States Federal Government at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Robert earned various awards for implementing technology. Robert's favorite quote was by poet Robert Louis Stevenson: "To travel is better than to arrive." He sought adventure and enjoyed experiencing much of the world in his seven years with the Navy. He continued his journey to special parts of the country with his family. Robert was involved and very enthusiastic with his family's numerous hobbies. He was encouraging as a father, allowed his children to have such unusual pets, and was always very humorous. Robert exhibited such examples of kindness, dedication, sacrifice and honesty toward his family and those who knew him. Robert L. Connell, husband, father and friend, will forever be missed, remembered and loved. Robert Connell's family thanks Hospice of Prescott and JB Care Home for their sincere and compassionate care. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2010, at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix. Sunrise Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Please visit www.sunrisefuneralhome.com to sign Robert's guestbook. Information provided by survivors.