Philip Patrick McConnell

Philip Patrick McConnell, 84, of Kerhonkson, NY passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021 surrounded by his family.

Phil was born on March 6, 1937 in the Bronx, NYC. He was the son of the late Philip McConnell (Belfast, Ireland) and Margaret Curran-McConnell (County Leitrim, Ireland). He relocated in 1952, during his younger teenage years, to live with "Very Dear Friends of the McConnell Family" David and Patricia Irwin and their daughter, Judy. He attended Kerhonkson High School, graduating in 1956 where he met Gail Christiana, married October 18, 1959 and settled in Kerhonkson for the remainder of his life. 

Phil deeply valued Family and Tradition. He organized Family Reunions and special gatherings for many years. He was an avid Outdoorsman with a passion for hunting, fishing, motorcycling, scuba diving, camping & travelling to Key West Florida & vacationing in the Bahamas for the winters. He spent his early years pheasant hunting with his English Setters & rabbit hunting with his Beagles. 

He worked for Dunn Fuel Co after High School and the NYS Eastern Correctional Facility in Napanoch, NY as a Corrections Officer until his retirement in 1983. Phil went on to work for the Rondout Valley Central School District as a bus driver and Union President from 1985-1995. He was community minded having served and volunteered with the Kerhonkson Fire Company for 64 years, the Ellenville Elks Lodge #1971 for 54 years, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for 36 years, the American Legion Post 111, Ellenville, NY, the Army National Guard Reserves of NY and a Long Time Member of the Saugerties Power Boat Association.

Phil is survived by his Beloved Wife of 61 years, Gail Christiana-McConnell. His two daughters, Kim McConnell-Lawrence and partner Tom "T-Hall” Davis of Accord, and Kris McConnell-Zimmerman and husband Mark of Kerhonkson; his son, Kevin McConnell and wife Marina Basil-McConnell of Rosendale; two grandchildren, Justin Zimmerman of Port Ewen and Alison Zimmerman of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; his sisters, Ann Green and Judy Irwin-Gregor and husband George; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Phil was predeceased by his sister Philomena Schmalenberger and her husband Harry; his brother in-law Frank Green; his son-in-law Terry Lawrence; and his nephews, Michael and Leslie Green and Alan Schmalenberger.  

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 11am at Benton Bar Cemetery, 2591 Lucas Turnpike, High Falls with Reverend Arlene Dawber officiating.

Following the burial services, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Ellenville Elks Lodge #1971 in Napanoch, NY. 

In Lieu of Flowers, Contributions may be made in “Phil’s Memory” to The Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad, PO Box 67, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 -or- The Kerhonkson Fire Company, PO Box 62, Kerhonkson, NY 12446.

Arrangements entrusted to H.B. Humiston Funeral Home, Kerhonkson. To send Personal Condolences to Phil’s Family, please visit humistonfuneralhome.com