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The Class of 1970 bids fair winds and following seas to CDR Royal William Connell USN (ret):
On 8 August 2025, eleven classmates represented the Class of 1970 in Pensacola, for Royal Connell’s funeral and to offer our condolences to wife Melinda, sons Royal, Alan and David (USNA ‘11) and their families. Royal faithfully served as Class Corresponding Secretary, and had two USNA tours where he was Drum & Bugle Corps Officer Rep. After Navy retirement, Royal stood up the NJROTC unit at Annapolis High School which was the 2008 national outstanding unit. He continued to support the Blue and Gold and other services by helping more than 70 of his Sea Cadets earn USNA, other Service Academies and ROTC appointments, during his 18 years of service. Royal then served, while a civilian in Pensacola, as the NJROTC Program Curricular Director for 8 years. His NJROTC Director shared that he marveled at Royal’s incredible knowledge of details and noted that a contemplated national NJROTC award would bear Royal’s name if he had an input. Fair winds and following seas and a “Well done” to our loyal classmate who faithfully served the Class of 1970 and the Naval Academy to his last breath.
Classmates attending were Mike Charley, Dick Folga, Les Gable, Roger Hill, John Holewa, Tom Howard, Roger Jacobs, Jeff Kaylor, Gary Knock, Rob Meyer and Jim Carter. Melinda Connell '70 holds the Cremains of Royal Connell '70.
In Memoriam of our 276 departed classmates (click names below to view recent Obituaries)
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Classmate Richard Downing Housh, on 06 August 2025
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Classmate Royal William Connell, on 18 June 2025
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Classmate John Walter Forrester, on 13 June 2025
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Classmate Warren Harper Ide, on 16 January 2025
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Classmate Richard Addison Kinney, on 14 January 2014
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Spouse Carol Anne Perkins, on 21 February 2025
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Classmate Kurt Michael Dieterle, on 08 February 2025
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Classmate Merle Anthony Ocken, on 15 August 2020
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Spouse Edwina Johnson Zales, on 25 January 2025
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Spouse Celestine Folga, on 18 January 2025
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Classmate William Michael Ferris, on 28 December 2024
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Classmate Douglas V. Smith, on 18 December 2024
- The Class of 1970 mourns the loss of Spouse Erica Ide, on 07 December 2024
USNA '70 NAPS Graduates (Click to view classmate names)
Recent USNA '70 Class News (Send input to edmund.moore@gmail.com)
- Rick Pilger's (12th Co) - Daughter Abby to Meet with Man who Found Father's Class Ring in 1972 Norway (11/20/21)
- Lew McIntyre (3rd Co) - "Take Charge and Move Out - The Founding Fathers of TACAMO" (10/25/21)
- Bob Viney (24th Co) - "American Turning Point: Repairing and Restoring Our Constitutional Republic" (10/13/21)
Recent Posts and Updates to this Web Site (Click on links below for additional data)
- Birthdays (08/04/25)
- Football Tailgates (07/13/25)
- In Memoriam (08/07/25)
- Company Reps (05/13/25)
- Spouse In Memoriam (02/03/25)
Updated: August 13, 2025
Curator: Ed Moore