From Fred Dahlinger

VSDPD00Z, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. It is with deep regret that I inform you that friend and colleague John H. McConnell passed away last night. He had recently been ill with an undiagnosed ailment. John is survived by his wife, Dolores, and three sons, two of whom, Eric and Brian, were with him in the circus business, as well as his daughters-in-laws. Funeral arrangements are pending. Doyle Funeral in Morristown, NJ will be handling the arrangements. http://www.doylefh.com/ He was active for many years as a circus proprietor, manager and consultant. He wrote many books including several on circus topics, including the Hanneford family and the Shrine circus that originated in Detroit. John was a long time member of the Circus Historical Society and was serving as a trustee of the organization. Fred