Obituary for Matthew J. Connell
It is with great sadness that our family shares the passing of Dr. Matthew “Matt” J. Connell of Brodheadsville PA. Matt died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife Evelyn Baxevane of Brodheadsville, daughter Moriah of London UK, and sons Alex of Middlesex NC and Gabe of Philadelphia PA.
He is also survived by a number of brothers and sisters: Kevin, Rosemary, Sean, Brian, Terry, Tim, Nora, Dan and preceded in death by brother Patrick and sister Kathleen.
Matt was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 20, 1954 to the late Gerald Connell and Claire Connell (Wilson). After graduating from Archbishop Wood, Matt went on to receive a B.A. from Bloomsburg University, a M.Ed from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of North Texas. Matt’s entire professional career was dedicated to the service of others and guiding and supporting them in their pursuit of education. Matt also inspired others while working and teaching at Ithaca College, University of North Texas, Cornell University, SUNY College at Cortland, Marywood University, Wilkes University, and many others.
Matt spent over 25 years as the Dean of the Monroe Campus of Northampton Community College in Tannersville, PA from 1994 to his recent retirement in September of 2020. While at NCC, Matt personally impacted thousands of lives of students, faculty, staff, and many others with his ‘pay it forward’ attitude and complete enjoyment of helping others. Matt was instrumental in the building of the beautiful new NCC Monroe Campus that opened in 2014. Through Matt’s support and encouragement the Maker’s Space room was created. This addition to the NCC Monroe campus provides a creative space for students and the community to use 3D printers, wood engravers, and more. Matt continued his love of teaching by being an adjunct Professor at Delaware Valley University where he loved working with and teaching doctoral students. Matt was involved in a number of community projects and organizations including the Monroe County Planning Commission, Monroe County 2030 Action Team, Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, Youth Employment Services, C.A.R.E. Reentry Program, United Way, Leadership Pocono, Pocono Counties Workforce Development Board, Chestnuthill Township, West End Little League and many more.
Matt was an avid drummer, photographer, baker, traveler, reader, jazz aficionado, Philadelphia sports fan, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and children.
A visitation will be held Saturday, February 19th at Kresge Funeral Homein Brodheadsville PA from 1:00-4:00pm with a service starting at 4:00. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer - date, time, and location TBC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Matthew J. Connell Scholarship at Northampton Community College. Visit https://www.northampton.edu/online-giving.htm or call 610-332-6344.
He is also survived by a number of brothers and sisters: Kevin, Rosemary, Sean, Brian, Terry, Tim, Nora, Dan and preceded in death by brother Patrick and sister Kathleen.
Matt was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 20, 1954 to the late Gerald Connell and Claire Connell (Wilson). After graduating from Archbishop Wood, Matt went on to receive a B.A. from Bloomsburg University, a M.Ed from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of North Texas. Matt’s entire professional career was dedicated to the service of others and guiding and supporting them in their pursuit of education. Matt also inspired others while working and teaching at Ithaca College, University of North Texas, Cornell University, SUNY College at Cortland, Marywood University, Wilkes University, and many others.
Matt spent over 25 years as the Dean of the Monroe Campus of Northampton Community College in Tannersville, PA from 1994 to his recent retirement in September of 2020. While at NCC, Matt personally impacted thousands of lives of students, faculty, staff, and many others with his ‘pay it forward’ attitude and complete enjoyment of helping others. Matt was instrumental in the building of the beautiful new NCC Monroe Campus that opened in 2014. Through Matt’s support and encouragement the Maker’s Space room was created. This addition to the NCC Monroe campus provides a creative space for students and the community to use 3D printers, wood engravers, and more. Matt continued his love of teaching by being an adjunct Professor at Delaware Valley University where he loved working with and teaching doctoral students. Matt was involved in a number of community projects and organizations including the Monroe County Planning Commission, Monroe County 2030 Action Team, Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, Youth Employment Services, C.A.R.E. Reentry Program, United Way, Leadership Pocono, Pocono Counties Workforce Development Board, Chestnuthill Township, West End Little League and many more.
Matt was an avid drummer, photographer, baker, traveler, reader, jazz aficionado, Philadelphia sports fan, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and children.
A visitation will be held Saturday, February 19th at Kresge Funeral Homein Brodheadsville PA from 1:00-4:00pm with a service starting at 4:00. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer - date, time, and location TBC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Matthew J. Connell Scholarship at Northampton Community College. Visit https://www.northampton.edu/online-giving.htm or call 610-332-6344.