Pray for +Dcn. Tom McConnell, who died in his sleep - Vigil Service 7pm Oct. 8, Funeral 11am Oct. 9

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dcn. Tom McConnell on September 28, 2021. He died at home peacefully in his sleep overnight, at the age of 75. Please pray for the repose of his soul, especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Please remember Dcn. Tom’s wife Brenda and his family in your prayers.  

Since being assigned to the Basilica in 2017, Dcn. Tom has served and led in several instrumental ways:  as deacon for our English- and Spanish-speaking communities, gifted homilist, founder of The Deacon’s Table adult faith formation program, founder and chief of the Security Team, ecumenical outreach, and more. Most recently, Dcn. Tom had taken the oversight of our major Facilities projects to replace the roof, upgrade the HVAC, and secure meeting space for our Hispanic ministries. Dcn. Tom was also an accomplished Colonel in the U. S. Army, having served our country in assignments all over the world. For many years, Dcn. Tom led the JROTC program in the Hamilton County Schools. He will be missed by his wife, Brenda, his family, and countless friends he has encountered in the Sts. Peter & Paul and St. Jude communities and all the places he served. 

May +Dcn. Tom McConnell, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Funeral Arrangements for Dcn. Tom 

BODY TO LIE IN STATE:  4-7pm Friday, October 8 at The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul.

VIGIL SERVICE:   7pm Friday, October 8 at The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. 

FUNERAL MASS:  11am Saturday, October 9 at The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Reception in Varallo Parish Hall to follow the Mass

BURIAL SERVICE:   10am Monday, October 11 at Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 - Private burial with family. All clergy are invited.  

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel. 

Obituary of Dcn. Tom McConnell
(3/14/1946 - 9/28/2021)

Read Dcn. Tom's Basilica bio here.

HOMILY at Dcn. Tom McConnell's Funeral - by Fr. David Carter 

VIDEO of Dcn. Tom McConnell's Funeral 

Memorial Progam