Richard D. McConnell

Richard “Dick” McConnell (Age87) of Fredericksburg, VA, formally of Springfield, VA, died on Sunday, January 15, 2012. Beloved husband of the late Loraine Olney McConnell; loving father of Janet Willard (James), Richard McConnell, David McConnell (Betty) and Alan McConnell (Beverly); devoted grandfather of nine. Dick is the son of the late Peter and Celia Bailey McConnell of Alexandria, VA. He is preceded in death by his brothers Peter and John McConnell. Dick received Civil Engineering degrees from George Washington University (B.S.), University of Illinois (M.S.), and Catholic University (Ph.D.). He was an aerospace engineer at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Director of Structural Engineering Service for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and a consultant to the State Department’s Foreign Buildings Office for seismic criteria and hazards mitigation. Dick served on many committees including the ASCE National Capital Geotechnical Committee, the Board of Directors of the Building Seismic Safety Council, and the UJNR United States-Japan Council on Wind & Seismic Effects. He received numerous awards and acknowledgements throughout his career. A visitation will be held, Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 1:00 pm until time of funeral service at 1:30 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath St., Springfield, VA 22150. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the church.