SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. - Edwin B. McConnell, 73, of South Windsor, beloved husband of Patricia (Glidden) Given McConnell, died peacefully on March 25, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Edwin was born on June 3, 1943, in Manchester, to the late Edwin B. and Mae E. (Baird) McConnell. He was raised in Coventry and attended the Howell Cheney Technical High School graduating in 1961 with a focus in masonry. Edwin loved nature and being outdoors, he had a wonderful sense of humor and was able light up an entire room and keep people laughing. He was active with the Jaycees and the Salvation Army, and was a member of the Bull Pen Lodge in Williamstown, VT. He was a walking encyclopedia of history, a great lover of all music, and so proud of his children and grandchildren. He is most remembered for his annual two-week long St. Patrick's Day celebration in Aruba which he had hosted for the last 30 years. In addition to his loving wife, Patricia, he is survived by his children, Robert Given and his wife, Gayle, of Somers, Scott McConnell and his wife, Rebecca, of Fort Myers, FL, Raymond Given and his wife, Alicia, of Port Charlotte, FL, Daren McConnell and his wife, Laurie, of Narragansett, RI, Shawn McConnell, of East Hartford, Victoria McConnell and her husband, Phil, of Fort Myers, FL, Rhonda Duckworth and her husband, Michael, of Wakefield, RI; four sisters-in-law, Carol, Linda, Kay and Ceil, as well as a brother-in-law, Linwood. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Edwin was predeceased by his brothers, David and Robert. Edwin's family will receive friends at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, from 10-11 a.m. with a memorial service to follow in the funeral home at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 628, Hartford, CT 06103. Please visit us online at www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and condolences.