A celebration of his life was held on February 7th, 2015, in the Montgomery Center at the Villages Retirement Community, his home for many years, located in San Jose’s Evergreen Valley.
Former resident, George W. McConnell, passed away at his San Jose home, following a brief illness. He was 93.
He was born in Hollister, CA. to Warren and Violet McConnell, and he was the grandson of George W. McConnell and Antonio Frusetta, two of the earliest settlers in San Benito.
He attended local schools, graduated from San Benito College, and then enlisted in the USAF at the onset of WWII. He completed his tour of duty on the East Coast, rising to the rank of captain.
In 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Johnson, and at war’s end, they returned to Hollister.
For many years he operated a men’s clothing store on San Benito Street. In 1968, he relocated to San Jose and operated a grocery business until his retirement in 1988. His customers and employees remember him for his kindness and generosity, making many donations to community groups.
He enjoyed excellent health, and remained very active in his retirement, always available to assist his family when needed, playing golf, and traveling frequently.
Dorothy McConnell predeceased him in 1970, and he is survived by his second wife, Shirley Musgraves McConnell, his sisters, Mary Jane Smith, and Margaret Johnston, seven children, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
