Bob McConnell passed away on January 16th at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of 97 years of “Service Above Self.” I felt a profound personal loss when I heard the news of Bob’s passing. I am proud and honored to have called him my friend. Bob was more than just a friend; he was a devoted husband, parent, grandparent, and even a host parent to an AFS exchange student who went on to become a successful doctor in Germany.
The loss to our community is immeasurable. No one has served Newman with the dedication and love that Bob McConnell did. I first met Bob in 1989 when he and Shirley returned to Newman, the town he loved so deeply, after a long and fulfilling career in education as a teacher and principal. When invited, he eagerly joined Rotary, benefiting not just our club but all of Newman. I’ll never forget the day he joined—he inspired us all to elevate our service and embrace the mantra of paying it forward.
Rotarians live by the Four-Way Test: “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” Bob found a home in Rotary and embodied this philosophy in every aspect of his life. He carried a card with the Four-Way Test in his pocket, sharing it eagerly with everyone he encountered. It was clear from the start that Bob was a true “Man for All Seasons”—a man of integrity, resilience, wisdom, adaptability, and a strong moral compass. This compass always pointed him in the direction of service.
Bob’s talents were many. He was a photographer, videographer, play director, actor, jazz festival MC, an enthusiastic guide for visitors at National Parks, a spiritual man who was active in his church, and a marvelous storyteller. His love of travel and adventure was fueled by an endless curiosity about the world which he loved to share. Bob also shared his knowledge of the California Mission system with students and tirelessly served the homeless community in Modesto by cooking and serving meals. The Salvation Army returned to Newman to serve its underprivileged community members at Bob’s urging. He could often be seen ringing bells for the Salvation Army with other volunteers during the holiday’s. For the homeless youth in Newman, he provided backpacks, warm clothing, and other necessities—all outside of his Rotary duties.
Recognized for many years as a Paul Harris Fellow, Bob’s contributions to Rotary were remarkable. He supported vocational service by recognizing exceptional local employees, organized industry visits to highlight their contributions to Newman, and encouraged Rotarians to actively engage with their community. He organized district visitation meetings, photographed events, and facilitated fundraising efforts. He championed community service projects such as park improvements, school playgrounds, and reader boards while also promoting donations to TOSCA and Fall Festival activities.
Bob’s dedication to the youth was unwavering. With his good friend Ernie Prine’s financial support, they founded TOSCA, benefitting thousands of local students and making it possible for them to pursue higher education. He coached students for speech contests, encouraged them to attend Camp Royal leadership conferences, and supported Interact Club initiatives like Pennies for Polio, food drives, blood drives, and coat collections. There is not a single student who graduated from Orestimba High School in the last 40 years who was not touched by Bob’s philanthropy.
Internationally, Bob contributed to efforts such as providing wheelchairs, improving school safety, and teaching water sanitation to developing countries around the world. In 1960 the polio virus became eradicated. When new cases of polio were reported in the 1980s, Rotary’s eradication effort began again. Bob led local efforts to raise awareness and funds, organizing events like spaghetti dinners, parades, and classroom presentations with the iron lung. Bob prepared collection jars with educational materials attached to be distributed to classrooms and businesses downtown. These jars were passed out at Orestimba football games, and carried around by Orestimba students trick or treating during Halloween. His “Pennies for Polio” campaign raised over $7,000 in Newman, which became $21,000 once matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and district Rotary clubs. This money would later provide vaccinations and vaccine delivery for hundreds of at risk children around the world.
Bob’s passion for service reminds us that the fight against polio—and for a better world—is not over. This letter is not just a tribute to Bob but a call to action. Let us honor his legacy by stepping up when asked to serve, by raising our hands, and by continuing his work. Bob McConnell was a friend, mentor, parent, grandparent, and proud citizen of Newman. We will not fully realize the impact of his absence in the community until years after his passing.
With great sorrow and immense admiration,
Carol Stephens
