Dennis R Connell

Dennis R Connell, 72, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 24, 2023 at home. Born on February 21, 1951, he was a son of the late James and Kathryn (Turiocy) Connell. Dennis was a graduate of Saucon Valley High School and the Penn State University- Professional Architecture Program. From 1973-1974, he participated in a Work/Study Program with Theodore Waddel, in Florence, Italy and received his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1974. Dennis received his Architectural License in Pennsylvania in 1978, in New Jersey in 1992, and in New York in 2001.

Dennis began his career as a Project Architect with Spillman Farmer Architects, Bethlehem, from 1974-1983. In 1983, Dennis established Form Space Design and in 1997-1998 he established DeCo Management Corp, a design-build company, both in Bethlehem.

As an architect, Dennis was well known and respected throughout the Lehigh Valley, NJ and the Philadelphia region. As a consummate professional, his career was lauded with achievements, awards, and appointed positions, including: from 1978-present he was a member of the American Institute of Architects. From 1982-1986 he served on the Executive Committee, as Treasurer, on the Board of Directors, and as President in 1986 of the Eastern PA Chapter, AIA. In 1992 he served as the President of the Pennsylvania Society of Architects (now AIA PA), and from 1994-1996 as the Pennsylvania Regional Director of the National Board of Directors of the AIA.

From 1983-to the present, Dennis was a Professional Member, of the International Code Council; from 1989-1996 he served on the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and was Treasurer of the PA Society of Architects; from 1994-2018, served on the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture; from 1995-2017, was a member of the Association of Consultants for Liturgical Space; from 1998-2019, he was a member of the City of Bethlehem Code Board of Appeals; from 2002-2010 he was a Member of the PA State Architects Licensure Board, serving as Vice-President from 2004-2005 and as President from 2006-2010; from 2005-2009 he was a member of the ARE Committees for the National Council of Architectural Registration Board.

In 1990 he became an Adjunct Professor of Architectural Design at Northampton Community College, where he also served as a member of the Architecture & Interior Design Advisory Committee from 1987-1996.

Dennis was known for his open-door policy at his North New Street Office since 1983, especially on St. Patrick’s Day when guests would be offered a nip of whiskey, some quick wit, excellent conversation and to view “the Quite Man” on repeat for the entire day.

Dennis’s passion for Architecture was equally matched by his passion for sports cars and racing. From 1996-Present he was a member of the Sports Car Club of America, and from 2001-present he was a member of the British Car Club of the Lehigh Valley. A ride with Dennis in the Bethlehem countryside in one of his Lotus sports cars was an adventure, to say the least. Friends of Dennis will remember him as an honorable gentleman and a man of integrity who lived his life on his own terms and at his own pace. Dennis Spoke quietly and his words were always well thought out. His sense of Humor and Puns will be greatly missed.

Dennis is survived by a brother Jim Connell Sr, and his wife, Kathy; nephews: Jimmy and Matt; and a niece, Shannon. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, John Connell.

Services will be at 11AM on Tuesday, August 1st at the Falk Funeral Home, 1418 Main St., Hellertown. Friends may gather beginning at 10AM. He will be laid to rest with his parents and brother at Hellertown Union Cemetery. To offer online condolences, please visit his “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.