Condolence: My deepest sympathies to Bob's wife, Janice, and his entire family. I have and always will have such high regard for Bob. He was truly an outstanding teacher and human being. Bob always expected excellence from his students and from himself. His orchestra concerts were superb. As his immediate supervisor, I enjoyed popping in on him during Block 2 to experience his rehearsals with his students. Very demanding and very fair. He had a good sense of humor and kept things in perspective. I can not even begin to list the number of awards the CNS Orchestra won over the years, thanks to Bob's leadership. So shocked to hear he has passed on. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.

Condolence: Mr. Connel was my viola teacher years ago. He is the person responsible for making me love viola. Such a kind-hearted man...he will be missed.

Condolence: Janice, Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We shared many fine times playing under Bob's leadership and your instruction. It's sad to see him go. Sincerely Fred & Carole Wenthen

Condolence: My heart-felt sympathy to Janice and all of Bob's family and friends. I worked with Bob at CNS. I will always remember his passion for music and teaching. Since his retirement from the district, I have missed his annual celtic music celebration played over the PA system each St. Patrick's Day morning. It was just so lovely. Bob will be deeply missed.

Condolence: Deepest condolences for the passing of Mr. Connell. He taught me a love for music at CNS. I still play my violin regularly--much thanks to him. He put his heart and soul into everything he did. I will be praying for Janice and the family. May God be with you all.

Condolence: Janice, My family and I offer our sincere sympathy and prayers. I am so lucky that I was able to know Bob, even just a short while. He was always smiling and talking about his love of the violin. What a kind person he was. I will never forget him. I send you peace and healing, always. Poppy

Condolence: Dear Janice Carr, Frances and I are deeply saddened of Robert's sudden passing. Though Frances and I experienced just a few encounters with Bob, we greatly enjoyed his energy and love of life. Our memories of him and his positive outlook will allow us to continue during, and beyond, this time. Please accept our most sincere thoughts and prayers. With our sympathy, Frances and Randal Foil

Condolence: So very sorry to hear about Bob's passing. He was such a fantastic musician and teacher.

Condolence: So very sorry to hear of Mr. Connell's passing. He was such a kind man, especially to this social outcast in high school, 20+ years ago. Too young to be gone this soon. Thank you for the music and memories.

Condolence: We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

Condolence: Janis, Rosanne & I are so sorry about Bob. He was such a great friend, mentor & musician. He was very generous with his time helping me as a young performer. He was always upbeat, energetic & encouraging during rehearsals. It was so much fun listening to him talk about music and hear him play. We had some really great times together. He will be truly missed. You are both in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. John & Rosanne Ferrara

Condolence: I write to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Connell, especially his wife, Janice- the only thing he loved more than teaching and playing his music. There are no words to express my devastation at the passing of my beloved teacher, Mr. Connell. He was my high school orchestra conductor and my private violin teacher from 2001-2004 and the greatest teacher I ever had. His passion for music was contagious, and he loved teaching more than anything. I can still hear his voice, watch his face move with every breath in the music, and feel his encouragement to always be better and to never underestimate just how good we could be. My time in his orchestra nurtured some of the closest friendships of my life that still exist today. Those days also serve as some of my greatest memories. Upon finding out about his retirement, a number of us attended his final concert and watched him conduct some of his favorite music. The most memorable of these was "Send In the Clowns"- a piece I had never heard him conduct before but couldn't have been more perfect. My brother was with me, and after the show we had the opportunity to take Mr. Connell out for a beer at his favorite restaurant, Chili's, with some of the other former students and listen to his stories of playing on the road with amazing artists in Vegas, something we knew nothing about until that evening. It remains one of the most cherished memories of my life. Today, I will pull out my beautiful violin, the very violin I purchased a month after meeting him, and play in his honor. Thank you, Mr. Connell, for all of it. I love you, and the world will never be the same without your music in it.