Gerald L. McConnell

Gerald L. McConnell, 77, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, February 20, 2022 in Community Hospice – Truman House at New Philadelphia, following a period of declining health.

Born in Dennison, he was the son of the late Paul R. McConnell and the late Wanda (Engstrom) McConnell-Miller. After high school, he enlisted into the United States Navy and proudly served for four years before his honorable discharge in 1968. He then started a long career with Greer Steel at Dover and retired as a crane operator after 38 years of service to the company.

Gerald loved seasonal camping at both Leesville and Atwood lakes, and was an avid bass fisherman. He was also a member of the Tusco Gun Club and the NRA. He was a former member of both the Midvale VFW and Tuscarawas VFW, The Uhrichsville Army -Navy Garrison and both New Philadelphia Moose and New Philadelphia Eagles.

Surviving is his wife of 36 years, Patrecia S. (Cain) McConnell of the residence; his five sons, Michael T. (Janet) McConnell of Tuscarawas, Scott A. (Barbara) McConnell of Midvale, Walter J. (Kurstie) Hemperly of New Philadelphia, Shannon D. Hemperly of New Orleans, Louisiana and Donald (Bobbi Jo) Coen of Otsego; his brother, David (Diane) McConnell of Dennison; his sister, Lois Mazzoleni of Dover and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Gerald is also preceded in death by his first wife, Saundra McConnell; two sons, Jamie Hemperly and Kevin Lee McConnell; two brothers, Robert McConnell and Paul Dale McConnell and his half-brother, Jeff Miller.

Visitation will be Friday, February 25, 2022 from 1 to 2 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia. A funeral service will begin at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Lisa Meese officiating and the New Philadelphia VFW conducting military honors. In keeping with Gerald’s wishes, and following the service, his body is to be cremated and a private burial will take place in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover.

The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to either Community Hospice-Truman House, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or, the Dennison Volunteer Fire Department, 302 Grant Street, Dennison, Ohio 44621.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Gerald by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com