Arthur “Bud” McConnell, 86, of Red Bank, passed away March 18, 2025. Born June 12, 1938, in Jersey City to the late James and Dorothy McConnell, he moved to Tower Hill Farm in Middletown at the age of 11. He attended Red Bank Catholic High School, where he met his wife of over 60 years, Kathleen O’Brien. He graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in English.
As head of McConnell Fuel Oil Company, Bud provided New Jersey homes with heating and air conditioning for over 30 years. His business savvy led to his appointment to the board of directors of Provident Savings Bank in Jersey City.
An avid horseman, Bud served for two years as Master of the Fox Hunt and boarded horses on his 20-acre farm.
A devoted steward of his unique farmstead estate, built in 1929 by the son of Ida and Isidor Straus, who perished on the Titanic, Bud opened the gates to several public garden tours but loved his home most when it hosted his family, whether for a wedding celebration or a sleepover in the hayloft he designed for his grandchildren.
Whether renovating historic brownstone properties in Jersey City or painting murals in their converted stable home depicting generations of his family, the finished products were always works of “Art.”
After the death of his beloved wife Kathleen (Kit) in 2021, Bud was comforted by the company of his kind neighbors, caregivers and friends, as well as his dog Daisy.
He is survived by his loving children, Lauren Mazzari, Andy McConnell, Kate Johnson and Sarah Wheeler, and his cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Steven, Aiden, Sophie, Zoe, Jake, Ben and Rose.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. April 7 at St. James Church, 94 Broad St., Red Bank. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to A Living Tribute to plant trees in Bud’s memory. Learn more online at alivingtribute.org.
John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, is entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the March 20 – 26, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
