Howell Aloysius McConnell

Howell Aloysius McConnell passed away on February 11, 2023, at 87 years old. Born on December 8, 1935, in Chester, PA, he was the son of the late Mary Desmond McConnell and Percy Howell McConnell, Jr., and direct descendant of Samuel Howell, Jr., a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution and the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. Howell was a proud alumnus of Villanova University and a member of the Navy ROTC. Upon graduating from Villanova, he accepted a position with the National Security Agency, married his beloved wife, Theresa Gallagher McConnell, and welcomed four children, Mary Theresa, John Howell, Ellen Meghan, and Jennifer Ann. He retired in 1992 after a decorated career and dedicated himself to the community. Howell was a devout Catholic and Franciscan who was deeply involved in his parish duties at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Riverdale, MD, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater, MD, before moving to Kent Island where he and Theresa were members of St. Christopher’s Church. In the 1970’s, he was instrumental in starting the Community of Reconciliation (C.O.R.) at Hope Haven and spent decades working with his fellow C.O.R. members, Bob & Anne Kershner, David Sifferman and Bob Eaton, sharing the teachings of Christ and inspiring a life of faith. In his retirement, he donated his time to the NSA Museum and hosted NSA Museum tours, he also volunteered at the Greenbelt Police Department Cold Case Unit and assisted with solving cold cases. He was a proud historian and traveled to Ireland often with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Howell is survived by his three daughters, Mary McGee of Chestertown, MD, Ellen Yunger of Kent Island, MD, Jennifer Henderson and son-in-law, Kevin Henderson of Kent Island, MD; twelve grandchildren Melissa, Kristin, Elizabeth, John, Jennah, Brendan, Theresa, Meghan, Fiona, Katie, Mac, and Liam; eighteen++ great-grandchildren; and a niece and nephews. Howell is predeceased by his beloved wife, Theresa; his son, John Howell; his parents, Mary and Percy; and in-laws, John and Anne Gallagher & Dan and Sharon Ratcliff. A visitation will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service beginning at 12 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 106 Shamrock Rd., Chester, MD 21619.

Howell Aloysius McConnell

December 8, 1935 - February 11, 2023