George Thomas McConnell

George Thomas "Tom" McConnell of Hermitage, PA, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026. He was 85.

Tom was born December 7, 1940, in Sharon, the son of the late George and Eleanor (Gamble) McConnell. He graduated from Hickory High School in 1958 and was a standout multi-sport athlete. He initially attended DePauw University, recruited for football, but returned home a year later to marry his high school sweetheart, Charlene Braine McConnell on January 2, 1960. From a remarkably young age, Tom poured long, tireless hours into building McConnell Construction Company that became both his life’s work and a testament to his unwavering drive. If Tom's wish were granted, this obituary would read "he loved to work, he really loved to work." He also loved his family, which included his wife of more than 62 years and their five children, whom he proudly reared to know what work meant. He loved his friends and his golf. He especially loved beating his friends at golf and was proud of his club championships and other wins. He really enjoyed hunting and teaching multiple generations of his family to enjoy the sport, and especially time spent together.

He built not only exceptional homes and enduring buildings, but also a legacy grounded in craftsmanship, and integrity. He had a reputation as a fair, direct, loyal, and caring businessman. Tom was instrumental in transforming a once-working family farm into what is now the center of commerce in the Shenango Valley and a premier residential neighborhood. He approached his work to not only construct buildings, but to create artistic works, making sure everything he built was tasteful and unique. From the Avalon Country Clubs to the numerous homes he built, he wanted quality, not just a structure, but a true work of art. Many clients heard him say, "You didn't hire me for my personality." But those who got to know Tom found that they loved him.

Tom was a charter member and past president of the Mercer County Builders Association, a charter member of Hermitage Masonic Lodge, a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite, and past president of the Mercer County Shrine Club. He was one of the original 25 Subscribers, Encouraging Economic Development (SEEDS) back in the mid-1980s, creating commercial buildings to attract companies and jobs when things looked bleak for the area.

Tom is survived by four of his children: Terry (Sarah) McConnell, Hartford, OH; Cindy (Greg) Andreyko, North Huntingdon, PA; Cathy (Tim) Herberger, Hubbard, OH; and Matthew (Angela) McConnell, Hermitage. He is also grandfather to thirteen (13) grandchildren and great-grandfather to ten (10). He also leaves a brother, William G. McConnell, and his wife, Gene of Hermitage; two sisters, Mary Eleanor Milheim and her husband, Irvine, of Greenville, PA, and Martha Sue Beezer and her husband, Gene, of El Cajon, CA; a daughter-in-law, Michele Barbin and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Charlene Braine McConnell, and his oldest son, George Tom McConnell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by a Masonic Service at 8:00 PM and Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Harold W. Stevenson Funeral Home LLC, 264 E. State Street, Sharon, Pa, 16146. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM in the funeral home with Pastor Dave Evans officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Jefferson Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Buhl Club, 28 Pine Street, Sharon, PA, 16146.

On-line condolences can be offered by visiting stevensonfuneralhome.net.