Robert W. McConnell

With great sadness we announce the passing of Robert Wilson McConnell, “Mac,” 81, of Florham Park, who passed away peacefully at his home on May 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Mac was cherished by his family and is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Lynne (Pucillo) McConnell; his daughter Lauren McConnell Quinn and her husband Joseph Quinn; his daughter Deirdre McConnell and her husband John Passmore; and his grandchildren Caroline Mary, Anna Patricia and Thomas McConnell Quinn, and Reed Wilson and Ida Delphine Passmore. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his treasured caretaker and friend, Daniel Luma. He is predeceased by his parents Wilson and Mildred McConnell and his sister Carol Rigsby.

Mac was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and spent summers on the family farm in New Brunswick, Canada. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High School and then pursued his Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Hartwick College, where he and Mary Lynne met and fell in love. Following graduation, he enlisted in the military, serving in Vietnam as a Navy corpsman with the Marine Corps. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and had a long, successful career as a trusted market research expert in the medical device and diagnostics industry.

Mac’s sharp mind and innate curiosity made him a lifelong learner and a charming conversationalist. He was a natural host with a quick wit who loved playing bridge with friends, volunteering in the community, and traveling.

A love of nature took him to nearby and faraway outdoor settings, in canoes, on rafts, or in waders, trout fishing on river banks. In his own backyard, he transformed his family’s lawns into beautiful garden escapes. Mac was a collector, and especially loved acquiring antique Lionel trains and building model railroad layouts, collecting rare coins, and searching antique shops for historical maps.

In their nearly fifty years living in Florham Park, Mac and Mary Lynne found beauty in building everyday traditions. They viewed their marriage and life together as an adventure, one they felt blessed to share with lifelong friends and cherished family. Mac’s most precious pastime was spending time with Mary Lynne, his children, and his grandchildren. Mac’s legacy is the smile, laughter, humor, kindness, generosity, and love he shined on the people around him.

The funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Church in Florham Park on Wednesday, May 28th at 11:00 AM. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Knights of Columbus Bring a Hero Home Campaign and Golf Tournament. Contributions may be made in memory of Robert W. McConnell by sending a check payable to Knights of Columbus Bring a Hero Home, c/o Holy Family Church, 11 Lloyd Avenue, Florham Park NJ 07932, or VENMO KofCFPMAD Treasurer #2731. 

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