James Douglas Connell Jr

James D. Connell, Jr. (Doug) age 78, went to be with his Savior on August 16, 2019 surrounded by his family in St. Augustine, Florida. Born in Hoboken, NJ in 1941 to James D. Connell and Mary Devlin Connell. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra Brownlee Connell; his daughters Tara Ward and Kimberly Connell; son James D. Connell, IV (Jay); sister Rosemary Mann; brother William D. Connell (Judith); sister-in-law Nancy Brownlee and brother-in-law Philip Portantino and 6 grandchildren, Logan Roberts, Victoria Connell, Madison Roberts, Sarah Connell, Kira Ward and Chase Ward. Doug graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, NJ, attended St. Anselm’s College, Manchester, NH and studied for a short time with the Passionist Priests in Dunkirk, NY. He graduated from Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ Doug joined the Navy in 1962 during the Cuban Missile crisis where his unit was awarded the Presidential Citation Award for their efforts during the Gulf of Tonkin incident. He served in communications in the Philippines and Hawaii where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal by the Commander in Chief of the Pacific. He also served on the DE Charles Barry and DE Kitty Hawk. After 4 years he was honorably discharged as Petty Officer Second Class and served in the Navy Reserves in Washington, D.C. Doug married Sandra Brownlee in 1969 and moved to Richmond where he started his career in hospital administration for the next 40 years and was instrumental in Hospital Corporation of America’s expansion project which culminated in the building of Richmond Metropolitan Hospital. He also attended Virginia Commonwealth University in the master’s program. While living in Richmond, he committed his life to AA and Next Step Programs and played a part in having these programs installed into the prison system. In 1982 he moved to Seaford, DE and served as Sr. VP and CFO of Nanticoke Health Services for 24 years and retired as President & CEO. In Delaware, he served on the board of United Way of Delaware, Boy Scouts of America, Junior Achievement and was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, served on the finance committee of the Seaford Golf & Country Club and the finance committee of the City of Seaford, DE. Doug loved golfing, kayaking and was an accomplished woodworker, but most of all he loved spending time with family and friends especially over a “good cup of coffee” and many cookies. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed. Doug and Sandy retired to Jacksonville, FL and in 2016 moved to St. Augustine, FL. Doug was a member of San Sebastian Catholic Church, a member of the Father Rene W. Robert Knights of Columbus where he was an officer and held his Third Degree. He also served on the Parish Financial Council. Funeral mass at San Sebastian Church, 1112 St Rd 16, St. Augustine, FL. August 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doug’s name to Community Hospice, St. Augustine, FL.

James Douglas Connell Jr

March 4, 1941 - August 16, 2019