Robert E. Connell Jr.

Robert E. Connell, Jr. “Cottie”_ died peacefully July 24, 2013, at the age of 86. He and most of his family have lived in Houston their entire lives. He was born May 25, 1927, the son of Rob¬ert E. Connell, Sr. and Fergus Moriarty Connell. He is pre¬deceased by his parents, and sister, Fergus Connell McGin¬ness and her husband, John.

Cottie attended St. Anne’s Elementary School, St. Thom¬as High School, and after at¬tending The University of Notre Dame, served in World War II guarding German pris¬oners of war in Preston, Idaho. Returning home, he earned his BBA Magna Cum Laude in 1950 from St. Edward’s Uni¬versity in Austin.

He began his working ca¬reer with his father at Bakor¬ing, Inc., a wholesale distribu¬tor of floors and counter tops. Later he joined Venetian Blind & Floor Covering, Inc. as a partner where he forged many close relationships with Hous¬ton home builders.

In the late 70’s he spear¬headed the founding of Gulf Coast Window Covering, a fabricator and distributor of window covering products. Gulf Coast developed into an industry leader winning many awards and distinctions up un¬til and beyond his retirement in 1997.

Upon retirement Cottie loved spending time with his family, and actively pursued his passions of playing golf, traveling with Ann, and fol¬lowing the financial markets. He was a “people person” with a great sense of humor. He laughed easily and often, and treasured lasting friend¬ships. He was devoted to his faith, especially Catholic edu¬cation, and served on many related fund drives during his lifetime.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann Laugh¬lin Connell, 4 children and 9 grandchildren: Robert E. Con¬nell, III and wife, Kimberly, children Garrett and Reagan, Kathleen Connell McShane and husband, Shawn, children Brian and Patrick of Portland, Oregon, Thomas P. Connell and wife, Samantha, children Michael, Caroline and Will, Mi¬chael J. Connell and wife, Su¬san, children Paige and John, brother, John Connell and wife Shirley, brother-in-law Joe Laughlin and wife, Fanelle, sister-in-law Pat Donoho of New York City, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends are cordially in¬vited to a visitation with the family from six until eight o’clock in the evening of Fri¬day, August 2nd, at Forest Park Westheimer Chapel, 12800 Westheimer at Dairy Ashford with the recitation of the Holy Rosary to commence at seven o’clock.

A Memorial Mass of Chris¬tian burial is to be offered at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, August 3rd at St. Michael Catholic Church in Houston. Immediately follow¬ing, all are invited to a recep¬tion to be held in the adjacent Parish Life Center.

In lieu of customary re¬membrances, memorial contri¬butions may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Rd, 77056, Strake Jesuit College Prep, 8900 Bellaire Blvd, 77036, or St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Dr., 77007.