Thomas W. Connell

Thomas W. Connell (78) currently from Charlestown, MD passed on peacefully on April 11, 2025. He could be found at the pier spending time on the river water, seeking out the big striped bass/perch, one good cast at a time!  Tom was an avid fisherman who loved to share these times with his loved ones.

Tom was born on December 28, 1946, in Dover, NJ and moved to the Wilmington, DE area in his teens. He proudly served our country in the U.S. AirForce as an aircraft mechanic crew chief on a C-130 while stationed in Pleiku during his tours in the central highlands’ region of Vietnam (from 1965-1970). A patriot all his life, some of his best friends were in the brotherhood of veterans he spent time with at meetings and gatherings.  He was a lifetime member of the Chesapeake City VFW Post 7687.

After the military, Tom became the owner/operator of Connell’s Gulf Station on Marsh Road. Also, he became a loving and devoted father to two sons and a daughter. He created cherished moments sharing his love for the water by way of fishing and boating. Always enjoying nature and the outdoors in their family moments. A love he later shared with his grandchildren and other loved ones often.

Tom adventured and enjoyed life for the past twenty years with his love, Bonnie. Together they traveled local rivers chasing the fish, weathered the ups and downs of life, and provided love and support to one another’s family, creating their own unique blended family.

Thomas W. Connell is survived by his eldest son, John T. Connell, wife Stephanie, and their beloved children and his grandchildren Dylan, Mackenzie, and Shannon Connell. Thomas is also survived by his grandchildren Jameson and Darby Zentz, Jacqueline Catalano, and Brittny Paradis.

As well, Tom is survived by his wife, Bonnie; her family including Tammy and Chuck Cooke (daughters, Jessica and Julie, William and Angela Tingen (son Devin), Brian Little (daughter Vivian), and Christopher and Ellen Tingen.

Tom was preceded in death by his dear son Joseph M. Connell (wife Olga), and beloved daughter Kelly M. Connell.  Tom was loved by many and feared by fish! Rest easy good man!