Richard William O'Connell

Richard O’Connell, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed away suddenly with his family by his side on March 30, 2025. Born to Francis and Doris (Goff) O’Connell on November 25, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Richard dedicated his life to his family, his country, his faith as well as his golfing and sailing communities. Richard grew up in Wynnewood, PA, and attended Waldron Mercy Academy and St. Margaret’s. He was an avid swimmer and swam for St. Joe’s Prep, Class of 1964. He attended La Salle University and then Naval Destroyer School where he began his Naval career. A proud veteran, he served three tours in Vietnam on Naval Destroyers and was awarded the Navy Cross for Valor. He served with honor embodying the values of duty and sacrifice throughout his life. Following the Navy, he settled in Millstone, New Jersey. He worked in the contract pharmaceutical unit packaging business and became president of CP Packaging in Dayton, NJ. Later, Richard retired with Karen to North Palm Beach, Florida. Richard and Karen were neighbors on Long Beach Island, NJ and spent summers swimming, sailing and water skiing. They started dating when Richard went into the Navy. They married in 1974 at St. Francis Parish and resided in San Diego, CA. They moved back to the east coast after the Navy to be closer to family. Richard leaves behind his loving wife, Karen O’Meara O’Connell, of 51 years and his pride and joy three daughters, Kelly Baker (Ryan), Megan Patton (Matt), Caroline Cowles (Mike), six granddaughters, Madeline and Elizabeth Patton, Mara and Kiera Baker, Naomi and Natalie Cowles as well as his sister, Patrica Oakes, and sister-in law, Jackie O’Meara, along with his nieces, nephews-in law, and their children. He was preceded in death by his sister Ann O’Connell, RSM and brother John O’Connell. Richard was happiest on the water whether he was sailing, racing sailboats, fishing, or body surfing all the waves on Long Beach Island. His passion for golf kept him out in the fresh air all day. He loved tinkering in his well-organized garage, gardening in the summer, and keeping all his cars shiny even on a rainy day. Richard welcomed everyone with an open heart and was always willing to listen, with his good ear. He wore his many golf shirts proudly and most knew who was coming to visit based on the shirt he would wear that day. It was just one of the ways he made others feel comfortable. He will be missed by all. A mass to honor and celebrate Richard’s life will be held on Friday May 2, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Long Beach Island, NJ. Visitation will be held before mass at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donating in Richard's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. (https://www.stjude.org/give.html)

Richard William O'Connell

November 25, 1946 - March 30, 2025