Theodore H. Mcconnell

Ted McConnell was a remarkable man, who led a remarkable life, a brilliant man with a natural talent for electronics. He was a proud veteran, dedicated family man, and loyal friend, and a man with a passion for science and technology. He loved the way circuits could connect to create something beautiful. Ted was the connector for so many of us, a connection that lives on in the many memories we share of him. Ted's story began on a cold December day in 1934, as the holidays approached in an otherwise difficult time for so many. The nation was tightened in the grip of the Great Depression, and times were so hard for families everywhere. Ted was born on December 22, 1934. When he was about six years old, little Ted was adopted by a couple named Anna and Lester McConnell, who raised him in the Wolf Lake area. Times were tough for them, as well, though Ted never knew it, as there was always food on the table. He helped out on a relative's farm where there was always plenty to eat, and looked forward to the huge breakfasts they served, complete with eggs, pancakes, potatoes and sausage, too! Ted attended Muskegon schools, walking back and forth each day through the eighth grade. When he got to high school, Ted worked hard to provide for many of his own needs, including clothes and basic necessities, especially his first car! Ted saved up and bought a 1950s Buick, which he was so proud of. He loved driving fast, and was famous for drag racing. His fast car and good looks made him very popular with the girls at school, too! Sadly, his mother took ill, and Ted dropped out of school to care for her. She died in 1953, one of the saddest days of Ted's life. He found himself alone in the world, with no real family to call his own, yet resolved to live his life to the fullest. Ted was drafted into the military in 1958, though he was sent to Germany to serve. He was stationed in Bamberg, Germany, which was a life-changing experience for him. He discovered he had a passion and talent for photography, and began taking countless photos of his experience overseas, even using the base's darkroom. His image collection became extensive during his five-year tour of service. He also learned to speak German, and traveled all over Europe during his time there. He was discharged in 1963, with the rank of Specialist-4. After his service, Ted returned to Michigan, where he took a job at Oldberg's Muffler in Grand Haven, which later became A & P Parts. He joined the union, and worked very hard, taking his job seriously, making him an excellent employee. In Grand Haven Ted befriended a man named Joe Pirrotta, and they became great friends, taking many fun trips together to Chicago. They became such good friends, in fact, that Joe introduced Ted to his beautiful young sister, Isabella! Ted and Isabella hit it off, began dating, and soon fell in love. Ted loved Isabella deeply, and loved her family, too, and enjoyed all the times they spent at family functions and holidays. Soon, her family would be his own, as well. The young couple was married in February of 1964 in Grand Haven, beginning many happy years together. The newlyweds settled into a little apartment above Fortino's Store, where they welcomed their first child, Rose, who took her first steps there. They then bought a home on Pennoyer, which was such a happy time for the family, complete with a baby son, Ted Jr. Ted was so happy, with a true family of his own, as well as Isabella's family, too. He embraced the Pirrotta's, and shared a close relationship with them his whole life. Ted's own family was so special to him, and there were huge picnics, camping trips, waterslides and Memorial Day fun to be found at Fruitport Park every year. Besides working and raising a family, Ted also found time for his many interests. He took a radio class in 1974 at Muskegon College, and earned his HAM radio license, going by the handle WB8FYT. He was a genius when it came to electronics, and was thrilled with his newfound hobby. He also had a HAM radio slow-scan camera, which combined his two hobbies. Ted's home was filled with "firsts," though; he always had the latest and greatest technology. He bought the kids battery-operated TVs and they had two telephone lines before that was so common. He also installed a 60-foot radio tower in his backyard, which the kids loved to climb! He tried to get the kids involved in his hobbies, too, and every weekend he packed them into the car to go to the Grand Rapids Planetarium, staring at the stars above, and teaching them about the planets and the solar system. Ted loved children, and was a master at celebrating Halloween. He'd dress up every year and decorate the house into a little shop of horrors, bringing more than 400 kids from all over town to his doorstep, ready to be scared silly! Ted funded his many hobbies through his hard work, and even moonlighted as a concrete man on the side, to pay for his gadgets and technology. He also compiled an impressive music collection in a number of formats, from records, to 8-tracks and CDs, with an amazing sound system, of course. He only bought Sony audio equipment, just as Fuji and Canon ruled his cameras. Ted was thrilled to have his first grandchild, Kevin Green, born in 1983, which was such a special moment for him, which he naturally had plenty of photos of! And in 1986 he had his first granddaughter, Samantha Green. He later was proud of his step-granddaughter, Heather Pardue. Ted left A & P Parts in 1981, after 23 years of service, to go to work for Meijer's in Grand Haven, running their very first photo lab. The company sent him to school for the job, which also included Ted doing repairs and maintenance, which he was so suited for. It was a dream for Ted, to work in photography, and he created his own side business, Leprechaun Photography, taking photos of weddings, graduations, portraits, or whatever else. Sadly, Ted and Isabella split in 1989 after more than 25 years of marriage, which was difficult for him, though he remained very close to her family always. Ted was later diagnosed with diabetes, and retired in 1998 as his vision worsened. His son Ted's wedding to Carrie was the last wedding he photographed, in 2004, before he became legally blind. After his blindness, Ted became so much more involved in his music. In May of 2006, Ted's health declined further, and he was admitted to the V.A. Hospital in Battle Creek. In October of 2006, he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, and given 3-6 months to live. So on December 22, 2006, his 72nd birthday, his family threw him a huge party at the Knollview Nursing Home, an incredible event he enjoyed immensely. He made a point of talking to everyone in attendance. Ted was a remarkable man, who led a remarkable life. He was a technical genius, so brilliant with electronics, or behind the lens. Ted was a man who found so much inspiration in innovation, marveling at the stars and the heavens above. Like some of those stars, Ted is gone now, yet his light, and his life, will shine on all who knew him for generations to come. Mr. Theodore "Ted" H. McConnell, Sr., age 72, died Tuesday, February 13, 2007. He was born in Luther, MI on December 22, 1934, and was adopted by Lester & Anna (Ames) McConnell. Mr. McConnell served his country in the U.S. Army where he also learned the skill of photography. Ted had been employed as a laborer at A & P Parts for 23 years and later worked at Meijer as a photo lab specialist for 13 years until retiring in1985. He was a member of the H.A.M. Radio Club and enjoyed freelance photography for the United Way. SURVIVORS Son, Ted (Carrie) McConnell, Jr. of Spring Lake; daughter, Rose (Gary) Beery of Copperas Cove, TX; 3 grandchildren, Kevin Green, Samantha Green & Heather Pardue; many nieces & nephews; best friends, Joe Pirrotta & family. He was preceded in death by his parents; several brothers & sisters; and close friend, Jack Olger. SERVICE Sunday, February 18, 2007, 2-5 PM at Country Estates Club House, 14700 State Rd., Spring Lake, MI 49456. MEMORIAL: American Kidney Foundation or Heartland Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Muskegon