Obituary of John Francis McConnell

Whoever is open, loyal, true; of humane and affable demeanor; honorable himself, and in his judgment of others; faithful to his word as to law, and faithful alike to God and man....such a man is a true gentleman. - Ralph Waldo Emerson Surrounded by family, John F. McConnell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 21st, just one week after celebrating his 88th birthday. Born on December 14, 1923, John grew up in Newman, CA. After completing high school, he served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Stationed mainly in France and Belgium, he survived the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. After the war, he began his studies at the University of Southern California, but soon decided to pursue a career in broadcasting. He worked as a page at the NBC Studios in Burbank while attending radio broadcasting school. John moved to Santa Cruz in 1949 to begin his career in radio, working as an announcer at KSCO. He was KSCO's voice of the Miss California contests held at that time in Santa Cruz and was the announcer for the live, dance band broadcasts from the ballroom on the boardwalk. During this time, John met and married his wife, Louise Frey. The two celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 11 (Veteran's Day.) In 1952, John and Louise moved to Modesto where he continued his radio career at KBEE and they began their family. John decided to pursue a desire to teach, following the lead of his parents, and went back to school to earn his Bachelor's degree and teaching credential at Stanislaus State while working at the radio station. In 1963, John and his family returned to Santa Cruz, where he began a 24-year career as a teacher and administrator in the Soquel Elementary School District. He taught at Soquel Elementary before serving as Head Teacher at the newly opened Santa Cruz Gardens campus. After earning a Master's Degree and Administrative Credential at San Jose State, John served as the principal at Soquel Elementary and concluded his career in education as the principal at Capitola Elementary School. After retiring in 1987, John worked part-time as a travel agent at Soquel Travel. This allowed him to combine his personal love of travel with helping others to explore the world. Making travel and vacation a priority, he was able to experience much of the world and many of the world's cultures. In addition to his personal and professional commitment as an educator serving the youth of Santa Cruz, John was a dedicated volunteer and civic leader. He was a member of the initial board of directors of the Wharf to Wharf Race and served as the race director for several years. John founded the Soquel International Games in 1974 (a track and field event for local 5th and 6th grade students) and directed the event for nearly 20 years before handing it over to his oldest son, Mark. John served as a board member and chairman for the Soquel Library during his tenure at Soquel Elementary. He was recognized for his commitment and service to the county for the 10 plus years he volunteered at the Live Oak Service Center for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. Over the last five years, he volunteered regularly at Dominican Hospital and Dominican Oaks. His commitment and dedication to the people and organizations he supported was exemplary and unwavering. In keeping with his character, he told his family in his last hours to "Let them know downstairs that I may not make my (volunteer) shift on Thursday." John was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn McConnell of Sacramento. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Louise McConnell; his five sons, Mark (Lindsay) McConnell, Greg (Karen Huntimer) McConnell, Gary (Mary) McConnell, Kevin McConnell, Jon McConnell, his "sixth son" Jeff Slaughterbeck; his beloved grandchildren, Shelby (Brian) Lee, Meghan McConnell, Caitlin McConnell, Hunter McConnell, Jared McConnell, Kimberly East, Kelly Morgan, and great- grandson Brody Lee. John is also survived by his brother Bob McConnell, of Newman, and by several nieces and nephews. His patience, wisdom, humility, grace, gentle spirit, and servant heart impacted many and inspired those who knew and loved him. A memorial celebration of his life his life will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances in John's name be made to the Wharf to Wharf Race or to the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County.