Obituary of Thomas E. McConnell

North Creek: Thomas E. McConnell, 85, of State Route 28N, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 9, 2013 at Glens Falls Hospital, surrounded by his family. Born February 6, 1928 in Indian Lake, he was the son of the late Walter Sr. and Elizabeth (Benton) McConnell. Tom was a lifelong resident of the area, graduating from Indian Lake High School, Class of 1946, where he was on the state championship basketball team. Upon his graduation, he started his working years, employed by Delaware & Hudson Railroad. He entered the United States Army in 1950, where he served in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1952, as a result of an injury he sustained. Tom married Thelma Harvey on October 20, 1952 at St. James Church in North Creek. He resumed his career working as a machinist for the railroad for 40 years, until his retirement in the mid 80’s. Tom was a member of the North Creek Volunteer Fire Dept., North Creek American Legion Post 629, Opalescent Hunting Club, Kempshall Mountain Club, and the Gooley Club, he was also a communicant of St. James Church in North Creek. He loved spending time and vacationing with his family, especially watching his grandchildren’s various sporting events; he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, fourwheeling, snowmobiling, hiking, camping, and watching as well as playing all sports. Besides his parents, Tom was predeceased by his brother, Walter McConnell, Jr., his sister-in-law, Mary McConnell, a nephew, James McConnell. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Thelma L. “Stub” McConnell of North Creek; their children, Thomas John McConnell and his wife, Lynne of Peterborough, NH, Deborah Ann Freebern and her husband, Henry of Hudson Falls, Kathy Marie Hurlock and her husband, Timothy of Farmington, CT, Sandra Lee Hayes and her husband, Rick of Hudson Falls, and Michael Joseph McConnell and his wife, Gay of Glastonbury, CT; eight grandchildren, Jami, Matthew, Lance, Shane, Joshua, Joe, Ashley, and Corinne; ten great-grandchildren, Lukas, Grace, Emma, Carson, Mason, Cole, Madison, Chase, Ayla, and Daphne; a brother, John McConnell and his wife, Judy of Chestertown. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call on Tom’s family from 5 to 8 pm, Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Friday, June 14, 2013 at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Main Street, North Creek, with Fr. John O’Kane, pastor officiating. Pall bearers will be his five grandsons, Lance and Shane Freebern, Joe Hayes, Joshua Hurlock, and Matt McConnell, and nephew, Robert McConnell. Rite of Committal with military honors will follow in St. James Cemetery, North Creek. Tom’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Gaiotti-Grubbs and staff, The C.R. Wood Cancer Center, and Tower 2 at Glens Falls Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion they provided throughout his illness. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Tom’s name to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.