Daniel William Connell Jr.

Daniel William Connell, Junior was born on October 7, 1948, in Orlando, FL. He met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Butler, at just 13 years old. They grew up together, attending both Maitland Junior High and “old” Winter Park High School, fully embracing the charm of their hometown. Facing every season together, Dan and Mary built a life grounded in unwavering devotion, shared dreams, quiet strength, and an enduring friendship. Sons Andrew and Russell are their greatest pride and with their families, are the crowning glory of a beautiful marriage of 56 amazing years.

First and foremost, Dan was a gentleman. In 1970, Dan proudly graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and joined the Atlantic National Bank in Jacksonville. A commercial banker for 25 years, Dan's responsibilities expanded to encompass corporate lending for large companies, oversight of regional commercial real estate lending, and leadership of a regional team with approximately 1,800 employees. With the first of subsequent bank mergers, he retired from First Union National Bank in 1994. Dan's leadership with Touchdown Jacksonville! to successfully "Sell 10,000 Tickets in Ten Days" was key to Jacksonville being awarded the NFL franchise in 1994. And so began Dan's ten-year tenure as Senior Vice President-Marketing, Jacksonville Jaguars, Ltd until his retirement in 2004.

His distinguished career as a Senior Executive Banker afforded him the opportunity to become a consummate community steward. Dan served as Advisory Director, First Union National Bank of Florida; Commissioner, Jacksonville Economic Development Commission; Chairman and Trustee-level member, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce; Past President, University of North Florida Foundation Board; Trustee, The Bolles School; and member, 1977 Inaugural Class, Leadership Jacksonville.

Beyond his professional accomplishments and community contributions, Dan earned the respect of colleagues through his integrity, wisdom, and leadership. He was a trusted advisor and mentor for many in Jacksonville and beyond. Since 2006 Dan had been a Private Investor with venture capital experience. A great personal honor of Dan's was to have served 25 years as a Trustee on Longleaf Partners Fund Board, Southeastern Asset Management, Inc., Memphis, Tennessee, from 1997-2022.

Dan, affectionately called “Boogie,” embraced the simple pleasures in life; music fueled his soul, lifted his spirits and the spirits of all around him. Playing golf in the calm serenity and pristine, natural settings of Pablo Creek in Jacksonville, FL and Balsam Mountain Preserve in Sylva, NC was his passionate personal challenge. Dan answered to “Dangerous” in his SAE Fraternity and his faithful allegiance to the University of Florida, the Gators and SEC sports was a force to be reckoned with!

While heartstrings replay “what was, “what is” and “what might have been,” there is comfort in knowing that his family was Dan's greatest joy. He would want us all to put on Van Morrison and “Turn it up!” Turn up the volume on remembering the happiest memories with one who so fully lived, who so generously shared, who so sincerely inspired and who so completely loved. His legacy will live on in the hearts of the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured and the community he served.

Dan is predeceased by his parents, Helen Louise Malpas Connell, Daniel William Connell and brother-in-law Richard Allan Butler. He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Butler Connell, his sons John Andrew Connell (Meredith) and William Russell Connell (Jenny), grandchildren Steven Daniel Connell, Kathryn Price Connell, Julia Katherine Connell, Elizabeth Susan McElveen, Emily Ann McElveen and Jaime Lee McElveen. In addition, he is survived by a sister Katherine Louise Connell Messinger (Frank) of Bastrop, Louisiana, sisters-in-law Helen Louise Butler (Joe) of Balsam, North Carolina and Sharon Faye Butler of Orlando, Florida, cousin John Ellis Van Horn (Penny) of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, many nieces, nephews, cousins and the dearest of friends.

The Connell family would like to offer deep gratitude to Dr. Arpitha Ketty, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, who sensitively cared for Dan. We extend warm appreciation to the Mayo Hospital medical team and Eleventh Floor nursing staff who comforted Dan and embraced our family. To all who have been present, in person and in spirit, with Dan and his family these past years, know that you have made a heartfelt difference and brightened our days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wolfson Children's Hospital, c/o Baptist Health Foundation, 841 Prudential Dr, Ste. 1300, Jacksonville, FL 32207 or All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

Services in celebration of Dan's life will be held Thursday, August 20th at 10:00 in the morning at All Saints Episcopal Church located 4171 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32207, with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.