Gary R. McConnell, age 72 of Melbourne Beach, Florida and Perch Lake Road, Brownville passed away unexpectedly at his home Monday evening. Gary was born January 5, 1943 in Theresa the son of Woodrow and Doloris Dorr McConnell. He graduated from SUNY Oswego and received his master's degree from Clarkson University in Education. He was a teacher and later a principal at Watertown School District retiring after 34 years in 2000. Gary was married to Carol Whelply who passed away in 1977. He later married Nancy Jo Obrien in 1980 and she passed away October 9, 2014. Gary was a member of NYSUT, Brownville Free and Accepted Masons, Shriners, Elks and was very active in Melbourne F. & A.M. Lodge in Melbourne, Florida, was also a member of Country Coach Nor'easters and Space Coast Orbiters. He is survived by a son David McConnell and his wife Maria of Alabama, a daughter Anne and Patrick Derr of Pulaski, and a step-daughter Tiffany Livingston of St. Cloud, Florida. Grandchildren include Steven McConnell, Andrea Voitlein, Morgan Livingston, Andrew McConnell, Elaina and Jared Derr. A great grandson Anthony Claxton, a brother Gerald McConnell and a half-brother Paul and Patty Eichorn of Rochester, nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by a son Peter in 1985. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday August 9th at 2:00 P.M. at the Dexter Masonic Lodge on West Kirby St., Dexter with the Dexter Masons providing a service. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Sackets Harbor. Donations may be made to Cocker Spaniel Rescue at www.floridacocker.org or the Dexter Masonic Lodge #1072 at P.O. Box 531 Dexter, N.Y. 13634. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter and online condolences may be made at dexterfuneralhome.com.