Ian Barrett McConnell

Ian Barrett McConnell, 40, of Dorchester, MA, passed away in his home shortly before Saturday, March 10, 2018. Ian was preceded by his mother, Laurel Lee Fields McConnell. He is survived by his father, John Louis McConnell, sister Cheney Lynn McConnell (Brad) Harper, nieces Lyra and Willow Harper and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Ian was born on February 17, 1978 in Torrington, CT. He lived in many places during his childhood, including Barkhamstead, Connecticut, Ireland and North Andover, MA. From an early age, Ian was involved with New England Young Friends where he made many lifelong friends. Ian spent a year studying in Kenya with Friends World College and continued his studies at the University of Memphis. It was in Tennessee where he began his career with FedEx. Ian transferred to Boston, MA with FedEx as a dedicated employee in the heavy freight department for over 20 years. He continued his studies at the University of Massachusetts, Boston and despite never receiving a diploma had enough credits to earn 5 or 6.

Ian was an accomplished writer, scholar and avid reader. In fact, his apartment looked like an extension of the Boston Public Library. He was a lover of the arts, enjoyed music and was an exuberant dancer at live concerts. He was a passionate Boston Red Sox fan and attended many games with his family- both home and away. Ian recently accompanied his grandfather to visit his cousin in China.

Ian was devoted to his family. The biannual Fields family reunion was a highlight where he enjoyed spending time with his cousins at the beaches of South Carolina. Ian put his life on hold for a couple of years to care for his mother through her battle with cancer. He brought joy to his father via his regular visits with him at the Atrium. Ian was always the fun, humorous, and entertaining uncle. The last 10 years of his life were truly enriched by the joy his nieces brought to him. They would read together, swim, waterski, and his favorite- building Legos together.

Ian was well regarded by all who knew him. He was loyal, cared deeply and was always there to help his friends. He was sensitive to a fault with a loving soul. Ian struggled for many years with bipolar disorder and had recently been suffering the effects of chronic pain from a back injury. Ian unfortunately succumbed to the chronic pain he had been experiencing for the last year. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Ian on Tuesday March 20, 2018 at 11:00 am in The Congregational Church of Littleton , 330 King St., Littleton, MA.

Donations in his memory may be made to:
Teenage Anxiety and Depression Solutions
TADS
P.O. Box 133
Groton, MA 01450
http://www.tadsma.org/

Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston
240 Commercial Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
https://habitat-for-humanity-greater-boston.networkforgood.com/

American Friends Service Committee
https://www.afsc.org/