H George Connell

Harold George Connell, age 78; friend, mentor, and beloved husband, passed away peacefully on December 17th, 2022, at his home in San Francisco, California.

George was born on January 30th,1944 to Harold and Agnes Connell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from William Penn Charter School in 1961, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Pennsylvania in 1965, and an MBA from Columbia University in 1967.

For five decades George worked as an information technology manager or consultant for major corporations and consulting firms. He was renowned for his intelligence, wit, and generosity, and became a mentor to younger colleagues who rose to the top of their professions.

George spent a great deal of time flying for work, and it was on one of these flights that he met the love of his life, Ida. George and Ida were married in 1984, embarking on a 38-year adventure that took them all over the world as they discovered exceptional cuisines and wine, and even more exceptional friendships. He was fluent in French, a passionate Francophile, and became a talented chef and wine expert, who was much sought out for his knowledge.

It was not only the food and wine that inspired George, but also the people involved in the growing, cultivating, cooking, and creating. Almost every Saturday, he could be found at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market where he befriended every vendor he encountered. His respect for cooks was genuine. When leaving a restaurant, whether a 3-star Michelin in San Sebastián or a neighborhood diner, he would always say, “Thank you, Chef!” to those working in the kitchen.

George is remembered by many in the food community including Traci Des Jardins, chef and founder of Rubicon, Jardinière and many other restaurants and cafes in California, and James Freeman, founder of Blue Bottle Coffee:

“I have so many vivid and lovely memories of George, and of course Ida by his side. George was one of those rare guests who brought such joy to a chef and the team on the floor. He was the ideal recipient of all that we try to convey in our restaurants. He will be sorely missed as a person and a patron with all of the passion and exuberance he brought to his visits. George, I hope you are out there somewhere having the best meal and best bottle of wine with a huge smile on your face.”

Traci Des Jardins

Chef and Restauranteur

“I must have met George Connell early in 2004. He stood out - a big man, with gravitas, and a kind face. The lines for coffee at the farmers market in those days were formidable, often a half hour or more, but he always patiently waited, and as he would get closer to the cart, George and I would often discuss home espresso machines, espresso techniques, and favorite cafes around the world. He was courtly and soaked up coffee information like a sponge. He was a connoisseur of food, travel, and life, and he radiated an assured, but genial appreciation for the tastes he loved. And his coffee order! His order never changed and was never duplicated by any other customer I've ever seen: four double shots served in two cups. I've never had a coffee order

which so matched the human ordering it - a beautiful maximalist purity. Eventually I stopped working at the cart on Saturdays, but I would frequently bump into George and his wife Ida at the market. They always showed such kindness and excitement for the path of Blue Bottle and such tenderness for my growing family. His admiration was always big hearted and unambiguous.

I never actually consumed George’s coffee order George’s way until this morning. It took a while to make it on my one group home machine. It's an extraordinary drink.”

James Freeman

Blue Bottle Coffee

George was charismatic, and people naturally gravitated towards his humor and warmth. A master punster with a strong sense of whimsy: his teddy bear Theodore was given a place of honor at his wedding. He treasured his friends that could respond with puns of their own that would bring out his wonderful warm laugh.

George is survived by his wife, Ida, and by countless friends and chosen family members. He is deeply loved and missed.