Robert F. Connell

SALEM - It is with loving hearts that the family of Robert (Bob) Francis Connell announces his passing on June 4, 2026, at the age of 97, at Ledgewood Skilled Nursing in Beverly, Massachusetts, with family at his side.

Robert was born in Little Falls, NY, the son of the late Augustine and Ann (O'Brien) Connell, and made his home in Salem for 95 years. Robert graduated from Salem Classical High School in 1945 and answered his country's call, serving in the United States Army stateside, helping returning soldiers prepare for civilian life as World War II drew to a close. He built a life defined by hard work, integrity, and quiet devotion — spending 30 years at Raytheon while working second jobs to provide more for his family. Frugal by nature but generous of heart, he never hesitated to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed one.

Robert's truest calling, however, was his family. He and his beloved wife, Irene B. (LeBel) Connell, were married for 59 years, raising six children together. In later years he cheered his grandchildren through their schooling and tenderly cared for Irene through her illness. His service was always to others.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Irene; his sons Robert Connell, Jr. and John Connell of Grafton, NH; and his siblings John, James, Charles, and Elizabeth Connell, Blanche Graham, Rita McCarthy, and Mary Ambrose. Robert is survived by his sister Shirley Maher; his daughters Barbara Baker and her husband Steve Iskra of Beverly, and Elizabeth Gauthier of Salem; his sons Timothy Connell of Salem, and William Connell and his wife Debbie Tang of Los Angeles, CA; his ten grandchildren Jeffrey Baker and his partner Jocelyn Buma, Corey Baker and his wife Megan (Dolan), Adrienne (Baker) Manis and her husband Parker, Maria Connell and her partner John Foerter, Theresa and Robert Connell, Kyle Gauthier and his partner MacKenzie Borowski, Michael and Ryan Gauthier, and Tasha Dalessandro and her husband Jason of South Portland, ME; and four great-grandchildren Porter, Sawyer, Asher, and Oliver.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing and Care Dimensions (Danvers), who treated Robert with kindness, dignity, and exceptional compassion.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Bob’s funeral service which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30 P.M. Visiting hours will be held prior to his service from 3 to 5:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Plummer Youth Promise at plummeryouthpromise.org. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.