Obituary of Owen Francis Connell

March 15, 2013 Owen Francis Connell, 67, of Syracuse, NY, passed away on March 15, 2013 after an extended illness. A memorial mass will be held at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Blessed Sacrament on James Street in Syracuse. Owen was born in Rockford, IL to Donald and Josephine Connell on October 27, 1945. Ever a student of life, Owen earned degrees from the University of N. Illinois, the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Boston College. In 1987, Owen retired as a Major from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service to his country. He then worked in the private sector as a CPA and retired in December 2012 after an enjoyable career as the Senior Director of Finance at Oswego County Opportunities. Owen’s other interests included participation in community Rotaries and hosting duties at the Drums Along the Mohawk competitions. Owen is survived by his children Jennifer and Michael Gatesman of Colchester, CT, John and Gwin Connell of Charleston, SC, Julie and Matt Fine of Pittsford, NY, and Jeremy and Elizabeth Connell of N. Charleston, SC; siblings John and Sandy Connell of Rockford, IL, Mary and Paul VanGeel of Pigeon Forge, TN, Catherine Connell and Rita Highland of Rockford, IL, and Christopher and Jessica Connell of Washington, D.C.; and beloved grandchildren Mark, Kelly, Christopher and Andrew Gatesman, Walker, Hampton, and Merideth Connell, and Lena and Connor Fine. The family requests that, instead of flowers, memorials be given to Oswego County Opportunities, www.oco.org. Owen’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his caregivers at Upstate University Hospital and Highland Hospital, and to all who have extended compassion during this difficult time.