Donn S. Connell

Newport, RI - Donn S. Connell, 85, of 6 Record Street, Newport, RI, died Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at home surrounded by his family.He was the husband of the late Dolores P. Mello Connell, his wife of 57 years. Born in Newport, RI on January 16, 1924, he was the son of the late James J. and Agnes Kelleher Connell.Mr. Connell served in the United States Marines for three years in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was one of only 300 Marines to land on the actual Island of Japan just before the end of the war. He was a lifelong Newporter, and was involved in Real Estate Management and Investing. He was a devoted husband and father, a man with quick wit and a great sense of humor. Donn was a big sports fan, as far as he was concerned Notre Dame Sports were #1. He was also an avid racquetball player. He is survived by his children, James T. Connell of Sarasota, FL, Lisa Connell of Newport, RI and Anita Gifford of Middletown, RI, his grandchildren, Michaela Kroll, James Kroll, Melissa Connell, Jennifer Connell, Jilda Lalli, Whitney Connell, Alexandra Lalli and Sean Brady, his great grandchildren, Jera Kroll, Phoenix Perry, Alyssa Macedo, Kyle Connell and Jalen Connell and his sister-in-law Kathleen S. Connell of Middletown, He was the father o the late Dolores Laurie Connell and Donald J. Donnie Connell, and the brother of the late James T. Connell, Gerald Jerry Connell and Eugenia Walsh.His funeral will be held on Friday, March 13, 2009, beginning with calling hours from 11:00am-1:00 pm in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a funeral service at 1:00pm in the funeral home.A burial ceremony with Military Honors will follow at St. Columbas Cemetery Chapel in Middletown