Fire Chief Joseph M. "Mac" Connell, 81, of Edgewater: Obituary

EDGEWATER, MD — The Anne Arundel County Fire Department and the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department regretfully announce the passing of Chief Joseph M. "Mac" Connell.

Chief Connell was the department's third chief, appointed as the Anne Arundel County Fire Administrator on November 16, 1985, and serving in the position until his retirement on January 31, 1991. He was also a life member of the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department, which he joined in April 1956.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 236, Edgewater, MD 21037.

Here is the full obituary from Kalas Funeral Homes:

Joseph M. "Mac" Connell, was a resident of Edgewater for 81 years. He passed away peacefully at home on August 15, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on January 12, 1935, in Edgewater. Mac attended St. Mary's High School and Washington College.

Mac retired in 1991 from Anne Arundel County as fire chief, prior to that he was the budget officer for Anne Arundel County. Mac was a life member of Woodland Beach volunteer fire department and Annapolis Elks lodge. Mac's hobbies included collecting model trains, antique cars and fire apparatus and being an avid Washington Redskins Fan.

Mac was preceded in death by his daughter, Dianna Lynn Pessaro, and his four brothers and sisters.

Mac is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Connell of 61 years, his son Joseph M. Connell Jr. and his wife Dawn, daughter Julie Shineman and her husband Scott, his son-in-law Earl Pessaro and his four grandchildren, Joseph M. Connell III, Jessica N. Connell, Charlotte Shineman and Josephine Shineman.

A viewing will be held Friday, August 19, from 2-4pm and 6-9pm at the George P. Kalas Funeral home, 2973 Solomons Island Road in Edgewater, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 20, at 11 a.m.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mac's name to Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department., P.O. box 236, Edgewater, MD 21037.

»Photo of Chief Joseph "Mac" Connell, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Fire Department