John "Jack" Connell

John "Jack" Connell Sr., 81, of Mansfield, husband of the late Phyllis (Robucci) Connell, died Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at the Windham Hospital. He was born November 19, 1930 in Willimantic, the son of Daniel and Lydia (Dubois) Connell and had lived in the Willimantic area all his life. He owned and operated several area businesses over the years, including Murphy's Taxi Service, he delivered Sears appliances for 18 years, owned Jack's Sanitation and Jack's Hot Dog Stand. He was well known for playing Santa, which he did for 26 years for the Essex Steam Train. Jack loved to go boating and fishing. He is survived by a son, Steven Connell and his wife Heather of Utica, NY, his daughter-in-law Christine Connell of Lebanon, a brother Roland Connell and his wife Terry of Willimantic and a grandson, Jack Connell III. Jack also leaves behind two lifelong friends, Jack Sullivan and Edward Brown. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by his son John "Jack" Connell Jr., his brother Paul Connell, and three sisters, Elaine Toros, Betty-Lou Hansen and Patricia Riquier. His family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, October 8, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 9th at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, Willimantic, with assembly at the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.