McConnell

Robert Paul McConnell, 65, of Brady Township, Slippery Rock, passed away at his residence Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025.

He was born in New Castle on Dec. 13, 1959, to Donald Franklin McConnell and Betty Helen Turk McConnell, of New Castle.

He married Sandra Lee Steiner on Oct. 1, 2005.

Bob graduated from Slippery Rock Area High School in 1978. He started out as a certified sewage plant operator in the early 1980s. In 1995, Bob became co-owner of McConnell Auto Supply Inc. with his father, Don, and his then-wife, Cheri. They maintained the store until 2005. He also served as a Brady Township supervisor for over 30 years until his health declined and he loved helping his community.

Bob was a very social person and he loved talking with people. Bob’s life revolved around cars, as they were his true passion. In the early 1990s, he built demolition derby cars to take to the local fairs. He then transitioned and spent years racing stock cars at local dirt tracks, especially Hickory Motor Speedway before its closure in 2001. He especially loved his ’70 Chevelle. His love for cars was inherited from his father, Don, with whom he spent significant time working in the garage. Bob also loved history and could be called a “history buff.”

Bob is survived by his wife, Sandra, at home; daughter, Sarah Anne (Justin) Prince, of Slippery Rock; grandson, Justin Robert “J.J.” Prince Jr.; two stepsons, Robert Joseph Whitt, of Akron, Ohio, and Perry David Christy, of Slippery Rock; mother, Betty Helen McConnell, of Slippery Rock; sister, Shelly Lynn (Scott) Weber, of Dover, Del.; and niece, Alana Lindsey (Colin) Szeles, of St. Louis, Mo. Additionally, he leaves behind his two cats, Teemo “Buddy” and Vudaboo.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Donald Franklin McConnell, in 2020; and his younger brother, Jeffery Allen McConnell, in May of this year. He was also preceded in death by his ex-wife, Cheri Lynnette Rhodes McConnell, in 2020; and his adored dog, Angel, in 2019.

MCCONNELL — The family of Robert Paul McConnell, who died Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, will receive friends from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock. The service will be led by the Rev. William Morse, of Grove City.

Donations are welcomed in lieu of flowers.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.