Donald O'Connell

Donald J. O’Connell entered new life on October 3, 2024. Don was born to Eva McCarthy O’Connell and Vincent O’Connell in the Bronx, NY on August 21, 1931. 

He attended St. Denis School, Fordham Prep and Fordham University.

Don served in the army during the Korean War as a counterintelligence agent.

After graduating from Fordham University, he started his career in the textile industry working for JC Penney and Burlington Industry. Later, he began a business with a partner but moved onto his own business, Strathmore Safety Company. His company is now run by his son Christopher and supplies many large businesses, including the US Postal Service with reflective trim for their uniforms.

Don married Eileen Campion after graduation in 1959. They spent their married life living in New York, New Jersey and Maryland.

Don enjoyed music, both classical and big band. As a young boy he played drums in a marching band. Later in life, he taught himself how to play the Irish drum, the bodhran.

Don was an athlete from a young age. Growing up he played baseball, softball and basketball. Later, he enjoyed playing golf with his special friends at Owasco Country Club.

Travel was a big part of Don’s life. He and Eileen traveled the USA, Caribbean, Europe and Russia. Spending winters in Venice Florida was a happy part of their life.

While living in New Jersey, Don served as Chairman of the Mass Transit Committee. He taught religious education at St. Benedict Church and served as a lay minister. He was active in the Cursillo and Kairos movements. Don also coached many of his children’s sports teams.

In Owasco, NY, Don was a member of Owasco Country Club, James Joyce Club, Central NY Irish Cultural Society and St. Ann’s Church.

Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eileen, three children, Ellen (Jeff Burns), Clare (Paul Donahue), and Christopher, ten grandchildren, Kieran,

Brendan, Christopher and Annie Burns, Emily, Matthew, Eileen (Englert), Oscar, Sylvia, Cristian Donahue and two great grandchildren, Evelyn and Oliver Englert.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center, Marriottsville, MD.

Donations may be made in memory of Don to Fordham Preparatory School 441 E. Fordham Rd., Bronx NY 10458 or Bridging Life (Hospice) 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157.