In Memoriam: Red Bank Resident, RBC Grad, Bud McConnell, 86

Red Bank resident, Arthur “Bud” McConnell, passed away on March 18. He was 86.

Born in Jersey City to the late James and Dorothy McConnell, the family moved to Tower Hill Farm in Middletown when Bud was 11. He was a student at Red Bank Catholic High School, where he met his wife of more than 60 years, Kathleen O’Brien.

After high school, Bud studied at and graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in English.

As head of McConnell Fuel Oil Company, Bud provided New Jersey homes with heating and air conditioning for more than 30 years. His business savvy led to his appointment to the board of directors of Provident Savings Bank in Jersey City.

“An avid horseman, Bud served for two years as master of the Fox Hunt and boarded horses on his 20-acre farm. A devoted steward of his unique farmstead estate, built in 1929 by the son of Ida and Isidor Straus, who perished on the Titanic, Bud opened the gates to several public garden tours but loved his home most when it hosted his family, whether for a wedding celebration or a sleepover in the hayloft he designed for his grandchildren.

“Whether renovating historic brownstone properties in Jersey City or painting murals in their converted stable home depicting generations of his family, the finished products were always ‘works of art.’

“After the death of his beloved wife Kathleen (Kit) in 2021, Bud was comforted by the company of his kind neighbors, caregivers, and friends, as well as his dog Daisy.”
Loved ones of Bud McConnell in his obituary

He is survived by: his loving children, Lauren Mazzari, Andy McConnell, Kate Johnson, and Sarah Wheeler; and his cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Steven, Aiden, Sophie, Zoe, Jake, Ben, and Rose.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Church, 94 Broad Street, Red Bank, on April 7 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to A Living Tribute to plant trees in Bud’s memory. You can learn more online at www.alivingtribute.org.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home