Glenn Taylor Connell, 63, of Sabbattus, a passionate theoretical physicist, passed away peacefully at his home on July 18. He was born in Potsdam, N.Y. on July 31, 1949 to Bill and Lynn Connell of Walpole as the first of three children.
Connell developed an interest in science and technology at a young age, coming from a family of engineers and scientists. At age 13, he built several radios and a telescope, grinding the mirrors himself. By 16, Glenn was awarded a National Science Foundation grant to attend the University of Bridgeport to study Space Science (astronomy, calculus and physics). During his senior year, he enrolled in the Independent Study Program in which he wrote a dissertation entitled “Relativity and Gravity Theory.” During this time he earned his Eagle Scout award.
After high school, Glenn joined the U.S. Navy, attending the Basic Electricity & Electronics Technician A Schools, advancing his electronics background.
This passion for science was met with acceptance into Colby College’s physics program where he majored in physics, and did an additional independent study in general relativity and astrophysics. He was awarded a grant for his proposal “An Observational Expedition to the Total Solar Eclipse of 1979.” He graduated Cum Laude. For graduate school he was awarded full scholarships and teaching fellowships in physics at Yale, MIT, Stony Brook and Brandeis University, and accepted the offer from Brandeis as it best fit his research objectives. He completed all his requirements for his Master’s degree in his first year, and nearly completed his Ph.D. in his second year. With Master’s degree in hand, he withdrew to support his family.
During his professional career, Glenn worked as a professor at the university level, a research scientist, a physicist and an engineer. Most recently, he worked as a nuclear engineer at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he planned to spend the rest of his career in this challenging and satisfying position.
When he wasn’t working, Glenn enjoyed spending time with his family, fixing up his farm, refurbishing electronic equipment, playing guitar, gardening, reading, woodworking and travelling.
Glenn was a Master Mason, and member of the Webster Lodge AF & AM, Wales. He also was a member of Sigma Pi Sigma, the National Physics Honor Society, the British Interplanetary Society, and the American Radio Relay League.
He is survived by his parents, Bill and Lynn Connell of Walpole; siblings, Laurie Connell of Winterport, and Scott Connell of Damariscotta; children, Aaron Connell of Houston, Tex., and Heather Connell Hughes, husband Josh, and their daughter, Sydney of New York City, N.Y.; and beloved girlfriend, Doreen Christ of Lewiston.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
