Dale D. McConnell, 87, of North Beaver Twp. passed away Sunday, September 20, 2015.
He was born March 27, 1928 at Old Shenago Valley Hospital to the late John W. and Belma Watters McConnell. Dale graduated from North Beaver Twp. Consolidated High School in Mt. Jackson. He married the former Lucille McKinley on June 25, 1949 at the brides home.
Dale was a former member of Moravia Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder, Clerk of Session, Sunday School Teacher, and assistant treasurer. More recently he was a member of Bethel Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Enon Valley.
Dale was a Veteran of the Korean War, US Navy Electrician Mate 1st Class of which he served 27 months aboard the USS Wisconsin, BB64. He served from December 1951 to December 1955. He enjoyed going to the BB64 Wisconsin reunions. Dale was a life member of the American Legion Post # 343 in New Castle.
Dale’s life work included trucker, electrician, carpenter, coach driver, and working on various genealogical lines dating as far back as 1215. Dale and Lucille enjoyed traveling, having traveled to all 50 states and all but two of the Canadian Provinces.
Active with the Masons, Dale was an honorary life member and past Master in 1976 of the Westminster Lodge #727 F & AM in New Castle, Past Thrice Master 1982 New Castle Lodge of Perfection; Life member of the New Castle Consistory A.A.S.R., where he received the Valley Service Award (VSA) in 2003; past commander 2001 Consistory Legion of Honor Valley of New Castle; Life member and Past High Priest, 1979 Delta Royal Arch Chapter # 170; Charter President and Instructor in Tri-County School of Instruction; Honorary Life member and Past Thrice Illustrious Master 1980- Hiram Council #45; Life member and Past Commander 1982 and 1990 Lawrence Commandary # 62 Knights Templar; Past President 1992 Joshua Association of Southwestern PA; Life member of York Cross of Honor (K.Y.C.H.), Life member of Council of Anointed Kings of PA; Past President NW PA Past Commanders and Line Officers Association; member Masonic Veterans of Western PA; member Gateway to the West Council #5 Knight Masons, Pittsburgh; member Royal Order of Scotland; Past Puissant Sovereign 2005 Antioch Conclave Red Cross of Constantine; Past Sovereign Master 2010 General Hugh Mercer Council #340 Allied Masonic Degrees; member Golden Triangle York Rite College # 32; Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests Bethlehem Tabernacle No LXXIV; and the 2014 Meritorious Service Award.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lucille, and children, Robert (Susan) McConnell of Grove City, James (Jane) McConnell and Janet McConnell, both of Pittsburgh; two grandchildren, Julie (Mike) McCormick, Christie (Ben) Lewis, four great grandchildren, Alexis, Olivia, Nathan and Aaron; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his brother, Albert G. McConnell, and his sister, Pearl McKim.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday September 22, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 341 Main Street Wampum. A Masonic Service will be held at 8 pm.
Funeral Services will be held at the Bethel Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Wednesday at 11 am with his pastor, Rev. Denny Finnegan officiating.
Interment will follow in the Bethel Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Bethel EPC Mission Fund 154 Petersburg Rd. Enon Valley, PA 16120 or to Colon Cancer Research .
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
Dearest family;
It will be the little things
that you will remember,
the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem
hard right now,
it will be the memories
of these little things
that help to push
away the pain
and bring the smiles
back again.
Know that we are thinking of you all with love and hope to see you soon,
Love, Linda and Larry and family
Hi Linda, Larry and family
Thank you for those words of encouragement. Mom spent most of this past week with Bob and Sue. After celebrating Dad’s life the week before we celebrated our granddaughters birthdays last Sunday and met some of the McKinley cousins on past Friday. Mom, Bob, Sue, Jim Jane and Jan
Dear Bob and family,
Deepest sympathy for your loss. I just lost Mother and I miss her everyday. But we of faith know they are resting and in comfort in a place where there are no days and years and they will always be living in our hearts and all those they have touched.
Your father was very accomplished –mine was Most Worshipful Master in the Masons, too- as a kid, did you go to the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle for the shows in the summer? Precious memories.
Prayers for strength and comfort,
Sue
Thank you Sue
Thank you for your words and we are sorry to hear about your mother. It is reassuring to know our loved ones are with the Lord. Between our Christian faith and memories of loved ones help us continue forward.
We went to some family nights but Dad become active when I went to college and after Sue and I were married. It was a joy for him when my brother and I joined the lodge and then I become a member of consistory and now I am the New Castle Cathedral Organist. which brought a lot of joy to Dad.and Mom. Sometime you should plan on coming to one of our organ events. Bob
Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and so impressed with the life that Dale led. Although he will be missed, it is clear that the world is a better place because of the many contributions that Dale made. You will be in our thoughts.
Lucille and family,
So sorry for your loss. Just read of Dale’s passing on Facebook as we have been traveling and now in Arkansas visiting our daughter Kridti. We are trying to catch up to you and Dale’s travel experiences but falling short. Very nice photos of family on Facebook
Take care
Brad and Brunita
Thank you for your prayers.