A Celebration of Life Service for Kevin Patrick Connell, 53, will be held at Our Saviors Church (Broussard Campus), 655 LA 96, Broussard, LA 70518 at 11:00AM on Thursday, March 14, 2013 with Pastor Jacob Aranza officiating. Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Lafayette, on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM Interment will be at a later date. Kevin went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 11, 2013 after a three year battle with ALS. Kevin Patrick Connell of Broussard, Louisiana, was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Jesuit High School and continued his education at Tulane University in New Orleans where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He also was a cheerleader during his four years at Tulane where he graduated with honors in 1982 with a degree in business management. He is survived by his wife of 31 years Gina Bruno Connell of New Orleans. He is also survived by their five children, Ryan P. Connell , Brigid A. Connell, Kyle A. Connell and his wife Eden Connell, Sean P. Connell and his wife Michelle Chandler, and Nolan T. Connell and his wife Sarah Connell. He was the beloved Big Poppi to four grandchildren, Hayden Lynn, Caleb Isaac, Anthony Joseph and Elizabeth Rose. He is also survived by his mother, Jeanette Hill Lehman (Dwight Lehman) and four siblings, Stephen O. Connell (Jacqueline Roa Pascual Connell), Shannon Connell Marino (Norman Anthony Marino) , Kieran Connell Ginesi (Christopher Lawrence Ginesi) and Colleen Connell Mitchell( Gregory Lance Mitchell). He was loved and adored by his many nieces and nephews. Kevin was preceded in death by his father Don Thomas Connell and his nephew Bryce Philip Mitchell. Kevin was a member of Our Saviors Church where he was faithful attendee. His love for the Lord Jesus was displayed in his dedication to living his life in full view of the members of the church. He and his wife were members of a loving and generous life group. He encouraged many to draw closer to Jesus by allowing everyone to see triumph over adversity as he attended church in every stage of this disease. His love for the Lord and faithfulness to Him in all circumstances was apparent to everyone who met Kevin. Kevin was an active member of the ALS community where he continually encouraged other patients with ALS to keep fighting. His sense of humor and joy for life could not be extinguished by ALS. He blogged both the serious and humorous side of his life with ALS at http://alsucksobservationsfrommylifewithals.blogspot.com. He leaves behind new friends whom he loved and admired as they fought beside him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to ALS Guardian Angels, 33761 Limerick Lane, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. All are invited to celebrate Kevins life with us as well as his love of sports by wearing your favorite sports paraphernalia to Thursdays funeral service. David Funeral Home of Lafayette, LA (337)837-9887 316 Youngsville Hwy, Lafayette, LA 70508 is in charge of all of the arrangements.
