Veteran and Longtime RI Government and PR Professional Thomas M. Connell Dies at 76

GoLocalProv News Team

Veteran and Longtime RI Government and PR Professional Thomas M. Connell Dies at 76

Thomas Connell. PHOTO: Family
Thomas M. Connell, 76, of East Providence, Rhode Island, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital.

Born on February 20, 1948, Tom grew up in Hollis, Queens. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. A graduate of Stony Brook University, he pursued a career in communications, which brought him to Rhode Island in 1981.

Tom was the son of James Connell of Sligo, Ireland, and Josephine Duignan of New York, NY. He is survived by his brothers: Brian Connell of Long Beach, CA; Kevin Connell and his wife, Janet, of Sun City Center, FL; Larry Connell and his wife, Barbara, of Salmon Arm, BC, Canada; and James Connell of Voorhees, NJ. He also leaves behind his children: Jackson Connell and his wife, Katerina, of Abington, MA, and Amy Connell of Buffalo, NY; as well as his granddaughters, Zoe Connell and Lily Connell.

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Tom's career included roles as a radio reporter at WEAN, executive director of the Community and Labor Organization (CLOC), co-founder of the public relations firm The Write Stuff, and many years in government with the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General and the U.S. District Attorney’s Office in Providence.

Calling hours will be held at Perry McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, on Thursday, January 30, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will also take place at Perry McStay Funeral Home on Friday, January 31, at 11:00 AM.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's name may be made to the American Heart Association.

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