MONTVILLE — Tom MacConnell, longtime Montville resident, left this earth on Monday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. He was in his living room, in front of the woodstove holding hands with his dear wife, Jane. The rigors of multiple myeloma proved to be a final challenge he could not defeat. He was just short of his 84th birthday.  

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina to John C. and Eloise (White) MacConnell, Tom grew up in various locations in North Carolina and in Florida. After studying art at Florida State for a year, he took off for Europe and spent 4 years combing the museums and libraries there to further his art education. His home base was in Scandinavia and Greece. It was a very formative and wonderful experience which he recalled often. 

Upon returning to the US, Tom settled in Boston where in 1967 he met Jane and the two became a couple from day one. It was a partnership that lasted 57 years. They travelled around the US and Mexico for about 3 years and it was during this time that his interest in photography blossomed. In 1970 they and their baby son moved into a ramshackle farmhouse in Montville and spent a lifetime creating and caring for the homestead. 

Tom continued with photography and was honored to study several times with Ernst Haas at the (then) Maine Photographic Workshops. In the 90s, his artistic focus changed to painting and he was a prolific painter until about the last year of life. He leaves a legacy of many beautiful artworks, paintings and photographs. His love of music and photography was passed on to his son, Jamil, and his artistic talents to his granddaughters, which made him so very happy. He was an avid gardener and grew beautiful vegetable gardens year after year.

Always a gregarious person who easily met new people, Tom loved to tell stories and hear the stories of others. Late in life he became more of a recluse, stoically enduring the gradual loss of his eyesight without complaint.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; dearest son, Jamil and his wife Beverly, and adored and adoring granddaughters Rosabelle and Alexis of Kent, Washington; brothers John (Pam) MacConnell of Deland, Florida and Ford (Barb) MacConnell of Winter Park, Florida.

He was pre-deceased by his brother John W. MacConnell and his (half) brother John Shields both of Charlotte, North Carolina.

There will be no services.

We wish to extend our deep gratitude to each and every of the many people who offered help and support. Our friends and neighbors have been wonderful. The incredible loving and professional care from Gentiva Hospice, especially our nurse Kelly will never be forgotten. Also thanking Waldo County Oncology, Dr. Berg and all the amazing staff and nurses there, Maine Health Care at Home, and Dr. Dean Chamberlin of Lovejoy Health Center. And also many thanks to Liberty Fire Department for their kind assistance.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.