John Noble McConnell, Sr., 101, of Vero Beach, passed away on Aug. 22, 2015.
He entered into his eternal home after an extraordinary pilgrimage which lasted over 101 years.
He is survived by his children John N. McConnell Jr. (Marilyn) of Vero Beach, Charles C. McConnell (Judy) of Aiken, S.C., Janey Harris (Bob) Harris of Golden Colo., and Christopher F. McConnell (Stacey) of Berwyn, Penn.; and grandchildren John N. McConnell, III (Anne), Laura McConnell Perin (Reuben), C. Craig McConnell (Lisa), Christy McConnell McNee (Bryan), Kelly K. McConnell, Claire C. McConnell, Craig M. McConnell, Graham N. McConnell, Jane A. McConnell, Scott K. McConnell, Chip Seedroff, Tom Seedroff (deceased)(Katie), Ket Seedroff, and 21 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to acknowledge his special friend, Barbara “Bobbie” Pitts and his devoted caregivers Estela Castorena and Irma Mendoza.
McConnell was born on Aug. 14, 1914 in Evanston, Ill. where he attended Evanston Township High School, and upon graduation, Purdue University. He was President of the Sigma Chi House, as well as the Interfraternity Council, and graduated in 1936.
Soon after graduation, he married Betty Jane Ketcham of Kenilworth, Ill., to whom he was devoted during their marriage of some 67 years. She preceded him in death in Vero Beach in 2004.
McConnell had a wide variety of interests, both professionally and as a volunteer. He was a respected executive in the laboratory distribution industry, after an initial career with Central Scientific Company of Chicago, Ill., and then American Hospital Supply Corporation where he helped found the Scientific Products Division. His subsequent business contributions included the presidency of Harleco Corporation in Philadelphia, Penn. and the Executive Directorship of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.
He and Betty lived in Chicago, Philadelphia and Vero Beach, where they assembled a wide variety of friends and admirers. In Vero Beach, where he is perhaps best known at this time, he initially resided at West Passage area of The Moorings, and subsequently at Oak Harbor, where he resided in his own home until his passing.
“Pop” (“Poppy” to his children and grandchildren) had many, many friends, and was devoted in his later years to the United Way of Vero Beach, as well as the Indian River Medical Center. His wonderful sense of humor and his caring and contributing approach to his family and friends will be remembered and treasured by all.
Services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach. A reception for family and friends will be held at the Oak Harbor Clubhouse after the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the United Way of Vero Beach or the Indian River Medical Center.
