Obituary of George John McConnell

George John McConnell, 86, of Belvidere New Jersey, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2019 at Gardens Memory Care Center. George was born on January 29, 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late George and Anna McConnell. He was a graduate of Memorial High School in West New York, class of 1950. He went on to further his education, earning his Bachelor's degree from Fordham University and his Master's degree from Montclair University. George married his soulmate and right arm, Gale ("Carol") Cook in 1955 and began their life together on an extended two year honeymoon in France, where George proudly served his country in the United States Army. They went on to have seven children – six boys and one girl, and a myriad of beloved pets of all species. George was employed as both an American history teacher at Woodbridge High School as well as a professional drummer. He loved both professions equally and instilled that love in his children in many ways. He was a true Renaissance man who loved wood and leather working, and designed and built a Geodesic dome house for his beloved wife, Carol, where they lived for 23 years. George was a devout Catholic and will be so very missed by all who had the honor to know him. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Gale Carol McConnell, his loving children; Kevin McConnell and his wife Jeanette, James McConnell and his partner Kim, Michael McConnell and his wife Marianne, George McConnell, Daniel McConnell and his wife Mary, Thomas McConnell, Kathleen Gale Weber and her husband Rick, and ten treasured grandchildren and five great grandchildren." Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday December 10, 2019 from 4-8 PM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882 A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 830 Fifth Avenue, Alpha, NJ 08865. Burial will take place immediately following the mass at Belvidere Cemetery in Belvidere, NJ Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Warren Hills Memorial Home.