Richard Allen Connell

Winter Park FL United States

Colonel Richard Allen Connell, USAF (Ret.) 94, Winter Park, Florida, died in the early morning of 22 December 2022. Born 24 December 1927, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Harry E. and Louise K. Connell. The family resided primarily in Columbus, Ohio, later moving to Dallas, Texas where Richard completed high school. During World War II, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and was assigned to the Fleet Marine Force,1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.

After World War II, Richard enrolled at Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He also joined the Reserve Officer’s Training Corp (ROTC) of the newly created United States Air Force.

Upon graduation and receiving his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant USAF, he was assigned to active duty in Central Florida, where he was part of the group reactivating the old Orlando Army Air Base, to become Orlando Air Force Base.

In Feb. 1951, he met Sarah Anne Hammond of Winter Park, Florida and they were married on 9 Jun 1951 at Knowles Chapel, Rollins College, Winter Park. Two months later, Richard departed for duty in Germany and in 6 months, Anne followed, landing in a raging snowstorm. Making the most of the exceptional opportunity, they had a grand honeymoon in Europe.

Upon returning stateside, Richard joined his father-in-law's public accounting firm. This practice served the Central Florida community for over 40 years. He was very active in civic groups and was a long-time member of the Winter Park JayCees. He also served as the National Treasurer for the Reserve Officer’s Association (ROA).

Continuing his military service, Richard served with the 306th Bombardment Wing of the Strategic Air Command, McCoy AFB, FL. He later served with the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service (ARRS) headquartered at Orlando AFB and Scott AFB, IL. Through the 1970s, Richard served as a Liaison Officer with the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. He retired with over 37 years combined service with the USMC and USAF.

Richard had a passion for his family history since childhood and was an avid genealogist. He travelled

extensively to research, especially in the south and in England. He was also a member of the Central Florida Genealogical Society and several other similar associations. His research verified family lineage to such notable individuals as Orville and Wilbur Wright of Dayton, Ohio and Robert I (the Bruce), King of Scotland.

Richard was the father of James (Laurie) and Elizabeth, grandfather of four: Lindsay (Robert}, Stephen, Mark and Ryan; and great-grandfather to Micayla and Michael. He was preceded in death by wife Anne, sister Virginia Sokol and his parents Harry and Louise.

Funeral services will be held at Baldwin-Fairchild, Winter Park Chapel, 7520 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL.

Visitation will be Friday, 13 January 2023, 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

The funeral will be Saturday, 14 January 2023, 11:00 AM.

Interment will follow at the Hammond and Connell Family plot, Palm Cemetery, Winter Park, FL.

Military Honors will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory can be made to AutismOne, a private, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization with the primary mission of helping children and families within the autism spectrum and related conditions. Donations are tax deductible. Federal Tax ID No. 61-1429687.

Contact: Autism International Association, Inc. www.autismone.org (714) 732-0704