Donald R. Connell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Donald Ray Connell, age 76, of Jupiter, FL, passed away May 22, 2013 with his daughter by his side in Austin, TX. Don was born February 3, 1937 to the late Annette Carter Connell and Rex Connell. He was raised in Brundidge, Alabama and attended Auburn University receiving a degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating 10th in his class. He moved to West Palm Beach, FL in 1959 to begin working for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft as a test engineer. There he met his wife, Kaye. They married in 1959 and had two children, Douglas and Janis. During his distinguished career he was involved in several key programs focused on jet and rocket engine technology. Don was instrumental in achieving several firsts in the aerospace industry including conducting the nation's first staged combustion full scale engine test and successfully running the first test of a Russian liquid rocket engine in the United States. Due to these accomplishments and others, he was recognized and inducted as a Fellow into the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the world's largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession. Other distinguished AIAA Fellows include Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, John Glenn, and Carl Sagan. Notable programs that Don worked on over his 40 year career at P&W include J58/SR71, F100/F15/F16, CO2 laser, Space Shuttle Main Engine, and the Russian NPO Energomash RD 120 program. He loved his work and it showed in all his accomplishments. Don was also a loving, caring, fun husband, father, and friend. He was a passionate gardener and loved being outside. He is predeceased by his wife, Kaye Pittman Connell and his son, Douglas Ryan Connell. He is survived by his daughter, Janis Elaine Connell and her husband Larry Victor Streepy, Jr. of Austin, TX, his sister Dorothy Connell Mansfield, and his brother Douglas Alan Connell both of Fort Walton Beach, FL, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm on Tuesday, May 28th at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 250 Center Street, Jupiter, FL. Graveside service to follow at 3pm at Riverside Memorial Park, 19351 SE County Line Road, Tequesta, FL In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, One Intrepid Square, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, New York, NY 10036

Donald R. Connell

February 3, 1937 - May 22, 2013