Danny Gene McConnell, Jr.

Danny Gene McConnell Jr., 37, was called up to be with God on August 5, 2012 at 8:28 PM. Danny is one of four children born to Deborah A. Brelsford and Danny Gene McConnell Sr. on June 13, 1975 in Fullerton, California.

Danny was full of life and stubborn as a bull. Danny was extremely intelligent and loved expressing himself through his music, singing, and writing. His creative drive began as a child and continued throughout adulthood. Creativity is what kept Danny so passionate about life. He was a go-getter, a dreamer and very open-minded. It was rare for Danny to have nothing to say. He loved to be the center of attention and never met a stranger. With his infectious personality, Danny had many close friends and people who adored him.

As a child in California, Danny looked up to his Great Grandfather, Archie Brown, who was a big influence in his upbringing. Archie also was in the United States Marine Corps. Later in Danny’s life, his relationship with his Great Grandfather was the primary influence in him enlisting in the Marine Corps. Even though Danny tested his Great Grandfather’s patience and pushed all boundaries, Danny felt his love and spoke of him often. Danny was raised by his Mother, Deborah Brelsford, and his Grandmother, Opal Parrish.

One of Danny’s passions as a teenager was skateboarding. He spent countless hours practicing and perfecting to be the best. He looked up to the pros and aspired to be one of them. When he moved to Appomattox, Virginia he discovered a new passion, wrestling. He exceled in wrestling and distinguished himself as a state champion in high school. We all know when Danny loves something he puts his all into to it, whether it is a hobby, career or love. At this young age, Danny was creating a pathway for hard work and ambition to make a better life for himself and those he loved.

At 18, Danny joined the Marine Corps. As with every challenge he faced, he exceled and received nearly genius test scores while in boot camp. During this time, Danny was promoted to Lance Corporal and was married to his first wife, Kelly Whitehead. Danny traveled to Japan and throughout the United States as a Marine. Through his travels, Danny fell in love with Jacksonville, Florida and he knew that one day he would end up here. Jacksonville is where he expanded his family and had his daughter, Breanne “Bre” Skye McConnell, on September 2, 1998. He cherished everything about her and they were like two peas in a pod. They both shared many things in common like music, an outgoing personality, and incredibly long eyelashes!

Living in Jacksonville, Florida, Danny dedicated his life to music and creating music. Danny had many musical influences in his life, but one of his early inspirations was the punk band, “Bad Religion”. When Danny began DJ’ing, his passion for music exploded and intensified. Danny played in a number of bands throughout his life. “Effed” was momentous to Danny and allowed him to further express his creativity through his music and lyrics. The band played in shows in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach and recorded their own CD. Danny managed to surround himself with inspiring people who became incredible friends to him.

Throughout Danny’s life, he loved to have fun with friends and to listen to music. He frequently went to house music events. Dan put his music passion to work and was a frequent DJ in the clubs throughout Jacksonville. He also went out to clubs to just hang with friends and be a patron of the music scene. His second wife, Athena Lazarides, also shared the same interest in the house music scene. This is where they eventually met. Athena was still living at home with her Dad, Panteles, and her sister, Rita, and was attending college. In her early twenties, she and her sister would venture to clubs to dance and enjoy listening to house music. While out one late evening, Dan summoned the courage to approach Rita and introduce himself. He made his way to Athena and instantly felt this fire connection, but Athena thought otherwise. Athena paid no attention to him and never thought twice because she was there for music and time on the dance floor with her sister. She was extremely independent and not looking for love. Dan would attempt to gain her attention by breaking down with his dance moves anytime Athena would look his way. She found this very obvious and funny. Rita would mention to her she had a strong hunch Dan had a crush on her. Of course, she blew it off and thought her sister was absurd. Before her departure to Greece, with her family, Dan ended up giving her a huge hug to say goodbye at a popular club, Paradome, and then when they released he planted a kiss on her lips. This was a defining moment for Athena. At this moment she knew she liked him more than just a friend. After many evenings seeing each other randomly, Dan eventually got the courage to ask her on a date. On this date in Gainesville, Dan gave her tender butterfly kisses all over her face; something she did not know even existed. This was the first night he told her he loved her and Athena instantly fell in love. After many years together Dan eventually asked her to marry him and got down on his knee.

During their engagement, Athena was successful in helping Dan reconnect with God and convert to the Orthodox religion. It came to him very easily once he stepped foot into the Orthodox Church. Father Nicholas Lough was a strong contributor in educating Dan and bringing him closer to God. Dan was so comfortable with this religion that he communicated with Athena his want/need to convert from Baptist religion to Greek Orthodox. Dan was very a strong believer in Christ, who he is with today. Dan and Athena married in the Greek Orthodox Church, St. John the Divine, on November 14, 2009.

It took some time for Dan to change his direction from aspiring DJ/Musician to pursue a career in technology. With The support of his wife, he redirected his energy and focus into his new profession. True to his character, Dan poured himself into his work. Athena supported his ambition, encouraged him to gain more IT certifications and to excel within his career. After leaving the military in the late 90’s, his strong skill sets were working with computers and writing scripts for programs. Some of the companies he worked for were Merrill Lynch, Fidelity, Acosta, and Fortegra Financial. With each role, he absorbed information and new techniques like a sponge. Dan was extremely intelligent and had a knack for molding to any position given to him. He was a charmer in interviews, and even if he did not know how to do something, he would say he could and then resourcefully teach himself how to accomplish a task. This is how Dan was able to continuously succeed and gain promotions in his career. Most recently, he held an IT Operations Manager role out in Redondo Beach, CA for the entire 2011 year. Dan and Athena were very eager to find a home for themselves and felt this Operations Manager position would open new doors for him and also allow for their own family to begin. The stress of him living in California was tough on their relationship, but their bond for one another surpassed this rough time. Dan and Athena ended up building their first beautiful home in Durbin Crossing. This was their start to begin their own family; however, God had different plans.

One day when Athena was departing from work, Dan begged her to come to a Harley Davidson shop on Baymeadows. Reluctantly, Athena decided to go to the store to see what new idea Dan had in mind. Around this time, Dan began having a huge interest in getting a motorcycle. Athena never liked the idea and was unwilling to go along with the purchase; however, Dan always had a way with Athena in getting her to change her mind. During this day in the Harley Davidson store, Dan showed her the bike and begged her for it. After repeatedly stating his case in only the way Danny could, Athena gave in. During this time he was working in Tampa, Florida for many months after leaving California and he would take the bike down Tampa on his commute. Athena was pushing him to wear his helmet and he did so most of the time. As we all know Dan has always been a risk taker and lived life by his terms. He enjoyed life to the fullest and loved the feeling of the natural high from riding his bike. Athena never got used to the bike and hated riding it.

While in California, Dan reconnected with his Father, Dan Sr., in 2011. They continued to communicate and arranged for the two of them to spend time together in Jacksonville. The two shared such an incredible bond that was as if they were never apart. For Danny, the chance for him to have his Father in his life after so many years apart meant everything and he felt blessed by it. It was as if he found a missing piece of a puzzle and made him feel complete.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for all of the heart felt prayers and support during the last few weeks while Dan was fighting for his life. Danny loved affection and showed it frequently. Danny had a zest for life and never had a dull moment. The family believes God had a plan for Danny even though he was so young, but we know God only takes the best. We will remember the good and fun times, his silliness and personality, and that he was an unforgettable person. Our memories of Dan will make us stronger throughout this difficult time. We LOVE YOU Dan Bear and you will NEVER be forgotten!!!!!