Edmund Alphonsus 'Ed' McConnell

Edmund Alphonsus “Ed” McConnell, 96, of Altoona, died Tuesday at UPMC Altoona after an extended illness. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Walter and Gladys (Sprow) McConnell.

He married Elizabeth Rose Johnson on July 23, 1949, at The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

Ed retired in 1987 as a mechanic at Philips ECG Altoona with 37 years’ service.

He also was past Scoutmaster for Troop 49 Boy Scouts of America for 25 years.

Ed was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Altoona.

Mr. McConnell was a 1946 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School.

He was a member of Port Matilda Sportsman’s Club and enjoyed fly tying, woodworking, building furniture and camping.

Ed served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class in WWII and received American Area and Victory Medals for service in WWII.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by eight children: Carol Ann Bagley, Maureen McDonald, Christine Dugan, Michael McConnell, Mary Beth Probst, Denise Bleamer, Kathleen McConnell and Linda McConnell; and a sister, Patricia McConnell Eardley. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mr. McConnell was preceded in death by two children, Patrick McConnell and Annette Griffin; two brothers and two sisters: Father Greg McConnell TOR, William McConnell, Adelaide Clapper and Peggy Coho.

Visitation is private for the family.

Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 20th Street and Sixth Avenue, Altoona, with Father Clement Gardner, Celebrant, and Father Lubomir Strecock, Con-Celebrant. Committal Rites will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home, Altoona.

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