Obituary: James McConnell

James McConnell, 87, of Longboat Key, died Feb. 18.

Born March 18, 1927, he was a World War II veteran who served on the aircraft carrier Midway. Mr. McConnell retired after 28 years with the City of New York Department of Transportation as an engineering inspector.

Mr. McConnell will be remembered for his wealth of knowledge in the construction industry. In the early years of his career, he worked for his father’s company, McConnell & Chambers, which was one of the leading contractors in New York City for structural stonework and fabrication for granite sidewalks and curbing. Some of McConnell & Chambers’ most remembered projects are the U.N. headquarters, Empire State Building, Bronx Zoo, Central Park and a massive granite curbing and sidewalk project in Lower Manhattan that still stands today and is protected by the Landmark Association of New York City.

Mr. McConnell was a charter member of Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian and was active as a greeter and usher. He and his wife, Eleanor, were volunteers at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Mr. McConnell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eleanor; sons James, Bruce and Fred; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made to either Multiple Myeloma Foundation, themmrf.org, or to Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228.