In Memoriam: Thomas J. Connell, Sr., 72
Ran Loan Ops at Chase
Thomas J. Connell, Sr. of Larchmont, NY, died peacefully on June 2, 2009. Born in New Rochelle, NY on May 21, 1937, Tom graduated from Iona College and was a Vice President of the Chase Manhattan Bank for most of his career, working in loan operations.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Dematte Connell, having been predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Jeanette Mastocciolo Connell. He is also survived by four children, 12 grandchildren, four stepchildren and 11 stepgrandchildren
Tom served as Chief of the Larchmont Volunteer Fire Department, was an active member of the Mamaroneck/Larchmont Old Timers, and past President of the New Rochelle Irish Benevolent Society. Memorial donations should be made to the Larchmont Volunteer Fire Department.
Anyone wanting to share a personal remembrance should send it to news@chasealum.org.
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From Maria Weiser (7/14/13): I worked for Tom for many years at Chase, particularly after my department moved to Metro Tech. When I think of the many people I worked with in my career at Chase and elsewhere, Tom always rises to the top of the list for one reason - he saw his people as people, not as resources. My dad was quite ill while I was at Chase, in and out of the hospital, and I had to take a good amount of time off. After his last stint in the hospital, the time came to move him to a nursing home. Tom was aware of the circumstances. When I walked into his office to ask for the next day off to get my dad settled in, he didn't say a word. He got up, walked around from his desk, gave me a big hug and wiped a tear from his eye. If that was all he ever did for me it would be enough, but he did so much personally and professionally. I never worked for his like again. I know this remembrance is late, but I just found out he had passed away. My condolences to his family.
From Mary Molloy: Tom was a Vice-President working primarily in Chase's Operations & Systems area for his long and accomplished career. In his last years at Chase, Tom managed operations related to the global Credit Loan System (CLIMAS), providing credit risk data for Chase's global commercial loan and off balance-sheet risk portfolios. He worked closely with those of us in Comptrollers and Management Reporting and was always a pleasure to engage, meeting the many demands we placed on him as credit risk and Chase were common bedfellows.
Tom, a long-time resident of Larchmont, New York, was bigger than life - always brandishing a bright Irish smile and generous heart. He cared lovingly many years for his ailing wife, Jeanette, who predeceased him, and thereafter married Alice Dematte, the mother of another Chase Alumna, Jill D'Allessandro. Tom also served as the Chief of the Larchmont Volunteer Fire Department and was an active member of the Mamaroneck/Larchmont Old Timers and past President of the New Rochelle Irish Benevolent Society - always lending a hand and a willing ear and song to those in need.
Tom was also a forerunner in managing work/life balance and could often be found relishing in some after work libations with many Chase colleagues and friends.
One afternoon, Tom and his good friend, Frank Scalise, were dining at a favorite haunt, Borsa di Roma. My good colleagues were dining alongside. An offer was made by Tom and Frank - and refused by my colleagues - for some refreshments. But Tom - the good and generous spirit of a man that he was - would have no part of it. A bottle of red wine was served with Tom and Frank's compliments. This is the Tom Connell I remember: an accomplished and serious professional by day - and many late nights cranking through critical risk data - and in every instance, one of the finest gentlemen with the kindest of hearts. Tom, we hold these memories dear and tip our glass to you this day. Godspeed.