Richard James McConnell

Richard James McConnell, affectionately known as Rich, passed away peacefully in

his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on July 1, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on September 23, 1940, in Dover, New Jersey, Rich was a lifelong learner and

loyal friend whose intelligence, integrity, and wit left a lasting impression on everyone who

knew him. Rich spent a majority of his life in NJ and also lived in Inverness, Florida, Little

River, South Carolina, and Colorado Springs, Colorado during his retirement.

Rich graduated from Roxbury High School before attending Rutgers University in

New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he earned a Bachelors of Arts in 1962. He proudly

served his country as a U.S. Naval Officer, working in the Naval Command Systems in

Washing D.C., from 1964 to 1967. During his military service, he received the National

Defense Service Medal, along with several other commendations.

Following his time in the Navy, Rich began a career spanning more than 25 years

with Johnson & Johnson. Starting as a systems analyst, he later served as an engineer,

consultant, and manager in the International Management Services Division. His work

helped strengthen and support Johnson & Johnson’s worldwide community of operating

companies, and he was deeply respected for both his technical expertise and thoughtful

leadership. Throughout his career, he developed lasting friendships with colleagues across

the globe, many of whom remained close friends long after his retirement.

Rich loved traveling, playing the guitar, attending the theater, reading, and keeping in

touch with friends through thoughtful letters and correspondence. An adventurous traveler

and enthusiastic foodie, he delighted in experiencing cultures through their cuisine and

was eager to sample dishes from around the world. He was an enthusiastic fan of Monty

Python and delighted family and friends with his quick wit and remarkable sense of humor.

Above all, Rich was a man of unwavering integrity.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Ellen McConnell (nee Summers); his

daughter, Heather Glick, and her husband, David Glick; his stepdaughters, Susan Deemer

(nee Sutphen) and Krista Sutphen and their husbands, Will Deemer and Rodney Robinett,

respectively; his grandsons, Wolfe Glick and Max Glick; his step-granddaughter, Jordan

Deemer; his two brothers, Roger McConnell and his wife Dottie, and Phil McConnell and

his wife, Odetta; as well as beloved nieces and nephews.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Emil R McConnell and Eleanor Ruth

McConnell (nee Romansic); his brother, Robert McConnell and his son Tim McConnell.

Rich will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also his

intelligence and generosity. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and the friendships he

treasured throughout his 85 years.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made

to the American Red Cross, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or your local

Humane Society in Rich’s memory.