Connell attended public schools and graduated from Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts, in 1884.

He was president and treasurer of the Scranton Button Company from 1888 until his death.

[2] He was a member of the board of trustees of Forest Hill Cemetery.

[2] Connell was elected as a Republican to the 67th United States Congress in 1921, and served until his death.

They had two children, Gladys and Bernard L.[2][3] Connell died on September 26, 1922, at his home on Vine Street in Scranton.