David Kelso McConnell, 91, of Shrub Oak, NY died on January 31st 2024. David was born July 12, 1932, to David and Caroline McConnell.
David was raised in the Bronx and attended P.S. 78, Olinville Junior High School, and Evander Childs High School. He graduated in 1949. In the fall of that year he attended Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy, then enrolled in CCNY in the civil engineering program. David graduated from City College in 1954 with a B.A. in Engineering. During college David enlisted in the Navy, and upon graduating, began his service. He served in the Submarine Corps during the Korean War, and was stationed in Groton CT and Key West, FL. He remained in the Navy Reserves until 1974 when he was discharged at the rank of Commander.
After his time on active duty, David attended Yale Law School, graduating in 1962. He started practicing law with the New Haven Railroad, then became an Assistant DA for the US Virgin Islands. He and his wife Alice lived in St. Thomas during this time. In 1967 they returned to Connecticut, where David resumed work with the New Haven Railroad and was ultimately relocated to Philadelphia by the Penn Central Railroad where he became Counsel to the Board through the railroad’s reorganization.
In 1980, David, now with Alice and their three children, was relocated to Pelham, New York. He continued to work with Penn Central through a subsidiary, General Cable, and later practiced law with McCarthy, Fingar, Donovan, Drazen, and Smith, and his own practice. David was also active in the local Democratic Party as a Town Council member, the Rotary Club of the Pelhams as a member and past President, and Huguenot Church.
In 1998, David and Alice retired and moved to Newport, RI. As residents of Newport, David enjoyed sailing, continued activity with the Newport Rotary Club, and the Corinthians Sailing Club. In 2015, David and Alice moved to Hingham, MA and in 2021 moved to Shrub Oak where they resided with their son, David.
David met his wife, Alice Schmitt at Kramer’s Pharmacy in Southold, New York in 1950. They were an immediate couple, and were married on December 26, 1953. They remained together, celebrating their 70th Anniversary little more than a month ago.
David is survived by Alice Schmitt McConnell, daughter Elissa McConnell Henebry of Colorado, daughter Kathleen McConnell of Arizona, son David W. McConnell and daughter in law Rita Reddy McConnell of NY, and brother Stephen McConnell of CA. He was the grandfather to Jacob Henebry and Unnati Thakur of Philadelphia, Lily McConnell, Riley McConnell, Maeve McConnell of NY. He is predeceased by his parents David and Caroline McConnell and his sister Margaret McGinn. David is survived by many nieces and nephews and many cousins who reside throughout the United States, and in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland.
David was known for looking like a movie star, and telling interesting stories. He was the center of attention at parties. He loved social activities and a good martini.
The family will be having a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations: Union of Concerned Scientists, EarthJustice, and JDRF.
Editor’s note: This obituary was submitted by Maggie Klein, secretary of the Rotary Club of the Pelhams.
