Philip M. Connell, 94, of Middletown, RI, formerly of Newport, RI passed away at Newport Hospital on June 9, 2025. He was the husband of Rosalie (Beebe) Connell and the father of the late Dr. William Connell. He is survived by his daughter Jacqueline Patton of Portsmouth (her husband Tom Patton), and his two grandchildren Kaitlin Patton and Kourtney Patton.
Born in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late William J. and Mary (Malone) Connell. He was predeceased by his five siblings: William, John, Francis, Mary, and George. He was a graduate of Rogers High School Class of 1950. Philip enlisted in the US Army Medical Corp reserves in 1951 and was on active duty from January 1953 to 1955. After his military service, he worked for General Electric Co in Newport and Middletown for 33 years.
Philip was a devoted parishioner and volunteer at St. Augustin’s Church in Newport. He restored many statutes and brought back to life the original nativity scene by painstakingly painting each and every piece in St. Augustin’s Church, as well as helping with many general maintenance chores over many years.
He loved Newport and had a passion for telling old stories and historical nuances of the old days in Newport, working at the mansions and homes around Ocean Drive, and of Newport Country Club. In his late days, he was often pursued by Newport historians wanting to interview him and obtain “firsthand” accounts of Newport’s rich history from the perspective of a local Fifth Warder.
Philip loved to play golf and was captain of the 1950 Rogers High School golf team. He fished for bass at Brenton Point and also fished often at Lily Pond. Additionally, he was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus (Council #256); life member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Division #1), member of the Newport Preservation Society, member of the American Legion (#0007 Newport); a member of the Friends of Ballard Park, a member of the Newport Public Library, and a permanent fixture at the Newport Creamery.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 13th from 5:00-7:00 pm at O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 14th at 10:00 am at St. Augustin’s Church, corner of Carroll Ave & Harrison Ave, Newport. Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Brown’s Lane, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Augustin’s Church Building Fund, PO Box 357, Newport, RI 02840
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