Charles P. (Barney) McConnell Jr., 98, of Lebanon, passed away on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at Linden Village, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 68 years, the former Janna Marie DiNunzio.
Born in Lebanon, PA, on Oct. 27, 1926, Charlie was a son of the late Charles and Mary Alice (Wise) McConnell. He was a 1944 graduate of Lebanon Catholic High School and a member of St. Mary’s Church. He started his career at the Lebanon Post Office as a temporary substitute letter carrier and later transferred to a full-time distribution and retail sales clerk. In his 42-plus-year post office career, in addition to clerk, he held the positions of foreman of mails, assistant superintendent of mails, superintendent of mails, and acting assistant postmaster. He retired in 1988 as superintendent of postal operations at the Lebanon Post Office. Upon his retirement from the post office, he worked as a tip staff at the Lebanon County Courthouse.
Charlie was an active member of the Lebanon Union Fire Company and previously held the title of assistant secretary. He was a 30-year member of the Board of Directors and president for three years at The Lebanon County Workshop, now Quest.
Charlie, along with Janna, was an active supporter and encouraged his sons’ school and athletic activities, frequently serving on committees and fundraising. When the grandchildren came along, Charlie and Janna shared their love of the theater, history, and nature, along with frequent trips to amusement parks. They could always be found in the bleachers at their grandsons’ sports events.
Charlie is survived by his children, Richard McConnell, husband of Shirley, and Patrick McConnell, husband of Diane; grandchildren, Amber, Daniel, Kaity, Spencer, Nick, and Kyle; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was the last of his immediate family.
In addition to his wife, Charlie was preceded in death by his sons, Nicholas, Michael, and Kevin McConnell; grandsons, Dustin and Ryan; great-grandson, Sean; brothers, Joseph and James McConnell; and sisters, Mary Alice Lehman, Helen Zechman, Frances Lux, and Betty Haag.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at St. Mary’s Church, 2 N. 8th St., Lebanon, PA 17042. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s name may be made to Quest Inc., 704 Metro Dr., Lebanon, PA 17042. Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
