Ed MacConnell

 

We are extremely sad to announce the sudden passing of our founder, Avraham Shlomo MacConnell

Born Edward Andrew MacConnell on January 10th 1948, he passed away suddenly on Monday May 11 2020, Due to complications caused by Coronavirus.
Founder: Avraham S MacConnell  

Born at St Joseph’s Hospital in Philadelphia. Parents were Robert T MacConnell & Beatrice ( Patterson) MacConnell. Avraham had a diverse and enriched life. He was drafted and served in Vietnam for the US Army from 1967-1969. His first child, Edward was born while he was there. When he returned he joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 1970 and served the citizens of Philadelphia until 1987 in the Juvenile Aid Division, Sex Crimes Unit ( SVU). Where he was honored during his career with a commendation from the City for his work helping children by undercover infiltrating and breaking open a large ring of abusive employees at the youth detention center where many employees were arrested.  In 1982 he converted to Judaism. Upon retiring from the force in 1987 he started a financial planning firm to help people in need of financial consulting.

After converting to Orthodox Judaism, he legally changed his name served for a time as the president of Young Israel of Elkins Park, a special honor for a convert. He was lucky enough to be escorted to New York for his final flight to Israel by his favorite Rabbis, Feldheim, Bluementhal & Halperin who will also miss him as well as his closest friend Allen and the Rothenberg family who he loved dearly. He loved learning as much as he could about his faith and imparting it to others just as much.

An avid golfer he had 4 holes in one in his lifetime and he loved being out on the golf course. He made multiple trips to Israel, it was his favorite place to visit.  He was also a dedicated volunteer for the American Liver Foundation and was a Freemason & Shriner for over 30 years.

His daughter in law Kathleen was a devoted advocate for his care and loved speaking with him about growing up in Philadelphia. She always made sure his apartment was fully stocked with his medical care items and also the treats he enjoyed the most including his favorite Tastykakes. He enjoyed speaking on the phone with and spending time with his family including his grandchildren and great granddaughter, Chloe.

He will be deeply missed by his brother Robert (Joyce) and his children, Edward (Kathleen) Stephanie (Pete) his grandchildren Robert, Katelin (Matthew)  Edward, Dalton, Jennifer & Joseph and his great grandchild Chloe the light of his life. He will also be missed by his friends in Lakewood NJ, Yardley, Philadelphia and Memphis, TN.

As he wished he was laid to rest in Eretz Chaim Cemetery in Jerusalem Israel on May 13th 2020.  The family intends to have a graveside service in Israel when possible.