Kevin J. MacConnell

Kevin MacConnell, 66, of Sturbridge, MA, passed away suddenly on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester. He leaves his wife Patricia and their son, Jameson, of Sturbridge, his mother Marilyn MacConnell of Sturbridge, his brother David MacConnell and his wife Trisha of Marlborough, CT, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Mark D. MacConnell, and father, James H. MacConnell. 

Kevin was born on October 19, 1958, in Des Plaines, IL the second son of the late James MacConnell, and Marilyn MacConnell. The family moved from IL to Sturbridge, MA in 1970. He enjoyed being in the woods, riding dirt bikes and raising various farm animals at his grandmother's farm in Brimfield. He played varsity soccer while at Tantasqua Regional High School and his love of playing and coaching soccer continued into adulthood, when he even played semi-professional soccer for a team based in Worcester. After graduating high school, he attended UMass-Amherst where he earned a degree in Education.

Kevin followed in his father's footsteps after graduating from college, becoming an entrepreneur and real estate investor/developer. Kevin's love of history influenced his business endeavors and included the rehabilitation of older buildings in Sturbridge including the development and operation of the Commonwealth Inn, the Sturbridge Country Inn and the historic Blackington Building. 

Over the years he was active in the Sturbridge community, including assisting his father with founding the Tantasqua Regional Youth (TRY) Soccer where he also coached, was a member of the Sturbridge Parks and Recreation Committee where he was the creative and organizational force that established Concerts on the Common, was co-creator and member of the Sturbridge Tourism Association, and member of the Betterment Committee. He was also a long-standing member of many national hospitality organizations.

Kevin was passionate about travel and adventure his entire life having been all over the USA, the Caribbean, parts of Europe, and Mexico, where he also studied International Relations. He enjoyed many trips to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg, PA because of their historical relevance, but ultimately his favorite destinations involved a nice beach with soft sand and warm water.

Kevin was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend.

 A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 1PM in the Sturbridge Federated Church, Rt 131 and Maple ST. Sturbridge.

In lieu of flowers the family recommends that a donation be made in Kevin's name to the Kevin J. MacConnell Memorial Fund at Southbridge Credit Union which will go to assist local youth activities.

Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St. Southbridge is directing arrangements. 

 An online guestbook and a video tribute are available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com 

A Video tribute will be available on Tuesday