Charles E. McConnell Jr. ’36

Charles E. McConnell Jr. ’36 Ted died Aug. 14, 2014, at the age of 99 in Charleston, W.Va., his hometown for almost 80 years.

Ted was born in New Jersey and attended Loomis School. At Princeton, he majored in chemical engineering and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Between sophomore and junior years, Ted took a summer trip with classmate Bob Scott. En route to Europe, Ted met Leila Hooks, who soon would become his beloved wife.

Ted spent his career at Union Carbide in Charleston, W. Va., where he became associate director of engineering. Ted and Leila enjoyed traveling together for business and pleasure on trips to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over the years, they were received by Indira Gandhi, Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, and Pope John Paul II.

They also enjoyed ballroom dancing, chairing an annual Charleston New Year’s Eve dance, and teaching dance to children. Ted served on the boards of several organizations in Charleston and was active in his church. He stayed in contact with classmate Bill Scheide and his roommate Tom Elliott, among others.

Ted was predeceased by Leila in 2002. He is survived by two children, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The class sends its deepest condolences to them.