Very sad day for the Fishing community...

[1captainron]

It is with a broken heart that I have to post we have lost another great person and Captain from the fishing community.
Captain John Connell Jr. (Capt. John), Keyport, passed this morning at 48 years old.
John was an awesome Man, good friend and one of the best Fluke Captains around. A man who would do anything for anyone on the drop of a dime. He built an excellent business of regular customers who all came to love and support him over the years.
Capt. John was the go-to guy when you needed anything, he knew everyone in the business up & down the coast. Always had his check book out to support any of the organizations fighting for the fishery when asked. When we did a fundraiser for the SSFFF, John was one of the first to write a check for $500, actually called me before I called Him....That was the kind of Man I will remember. He never a bad word about anyone, If he had any negativity about anything, he kept it too himself, which I respected more than anything.

The thing I will miss most....for the many years I have know John, everyday at the end of the day his final words would be.....OK, you boys have a nice day, see you tomorrow......If we get out. I will miss and think of that until it's my time to go. Until we sail together again my friend, we will miss you dearly.
Capt. Ron

[Capt John]

Hard to believe at such a young age. Very sad. Although I never met the man, I always heard wonderful stories on how well he treated his anglers. Thoughts and prayers are for him and his family. Rest in peace Capt.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Wow... I didn't know John personally but fished with him a few times. Boat was always spotless and crew was always very helpful and friendly. Boats and crew are usually a direct reflection of the guys who own and operate them so not surprised to hear your opinion of him Ron. RIP Captain John.

[hammer4reel]

May he RIP.
way too young.

[Hunter 2]

Very sad news.
The fishing community just lost a good friend. Rest In Peace.
My condolences to his family..

Obituary:
http://www.dayfuneralhome.com/notices/CaptainJohn-Connell

[Skolmann]

My family and I have fished with John and his family for over 25 years. He ran a first class operation. The crew was top notch, the boat was ALWAYS clean and spotless. His boat was extremely family friendly. He was one of the best fluke captains I've had the pleasure of fishing with. But I think the biggest testimonial to him was the large group of regulars that would fish aboard his boat. I know he was both loved and respected by his fellow captains.

Clam seas, fair winds and the prefect fluke drift my friend.

[Down Deep Sportfishing]

Our deepest condolences to the family. Rest in peace Capt. John.

[MVP]

What a shame. Condolences to the family

[reason162]

Shocking news. I had the pleasure of fishing with Capt John and his crew countless times in the past decade. Always a gentleman, ran a clean and classy operation and gave his 100% every trip out.

The Capt John is its own thing, a standalone gem of the RB fleet.

RIP.

[Capt. Lou]

Very sorry to hear , sad indeed . RIP Capt.

[HDMarc]

Sorry to hear of his passing, condolences to his family, Godspeed Captain

[Sullivan]

Terrible news , may he rest in peace . Just spent the day at the meeting with his mate , Joey .

[SaltLife1980]

Will be missed. My condolences to the family. RIP with fair winds and calm seas.

[cigar Bob]

And so we turn another page In the book of the sea (something else John said at the end of the day), rest in peace Capt John.

[CaptMarc]

RIP in peace. My condolences to his friends and family. I didn't know him personally but my mate's son worked for him this past summer. Said what a really nice guy and great captain.

[bunker dunker]

prayers sent to his family.drift in peace capt john

[Blind Squirrel]

It is with a broken heart that I have to post we have lost another great person and Captain from the fishing community.
Captain John Connell Jr. (Capt. John), Keyport, passed this morning at 48 years old.
John was an awesome Man, good friend and one of the best Fluke Captains around. A man who would do anything for anyone on the drop of a dime. He built an excellent business of regular customers who all came to love and support him over the years.
Capt. John was the go-to guy when you needed anything, he knew everyone in the business up & down the coast. Always had his check book out to support any of the organizations fighting for the fishery when asked. When we did a fundraiser for the SSFFF, John was one of the first to write a check for $500, actually called me before I called Him....That was the kind of Man I will remember. He never a bad word about anyone, If he had any negativity about anything, he kept it too himself, which I respected more than anything.

The thing I will miss most....for the many years I have know John, everyday at the end of the day his final words would be.....OK, you boys have a nice day, see you tomorrow......If we get out. I will miss and think of that until it's my time to go. Until we sail together again my friend, we will miss you dearly.
Capt. Ron
I didn't know Capt. John, but I fished with the Ebles in Barnegat Light for many years, and knew the late Capt. Wayne from his junior HS days when he worked as a mate for his big brothers Ron & Charlie. 51 is way too young to be taken from us too:
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Captain+Wayne-Eble&lc=4026&pid=170121844&mid=5888286
My condolences to the Connell family.

[dales529]

Very Sad news. Way too young. RIP Capt and condolences to the family friends and all the Captains, fishermen who knew him.

[Mikeps326]

That was my go to boat in the summer fluking. I knew the guy very well and the all the mates! Very sad day and still in shock that it has happened! RIP Captain John and fish on brother!

[Capt Andy]

Oh, Cousin, I miss you already. It will never be the same...

[Skolmann]

And so we turn another page In the book of the sea (something else John said at the end of the day), rest in peace Capt John.

"Another journey to the sea and beyond has come to an end......"
(These were part of Captain John's words after every trip.)

[shrimpman steve]

So young! Does anyone know what happened?

Fair winds and following seas

[Detour66]

So sorry to hear this. Too young! My condolences to his family.

[Hunter 2]

I was told he had a heart attack but have not confirmed it.


http://www.dayfuneralhome.com/notices/CaptainJohn-Connell

[Skolmann]

It was a heart attack.

[Captain_nick]

Very unfortunate RIP captain. John

[shbeachbum]

RIP Capt. John.

[Flukemeister1]

RIP Captain.

[Capt.Yasar]

RIP Captain. May God keep you in eternal peace and give your family strength to deal with the tragic loss.

[HK1490]

Condolence to the family.RIP Capt.John.