Blauvelt, NY, recently of Orangeburg, NY - Tappan Location

John was born on July 31st 1943 in the Bronx to Mae and John O'Connell, the second of four children. When he was a young boy his family moved to Blauvelt, NY on Moehring Drive. After graduating Nyack High School and SUNY Morrisville, he began working at New York City Transit and enlisted in the US Army for a 6 year commitment. And soon after he met the woman of his dreams, Fran, they were married on November 29th 1969. In December of 1974 they welcomed their first and only child, Johnny. In 1979 they move back to Blauvelt in the house across from where he grew up on Moehring Dr. It was an incredible place to raise a family, he would commute to NYC everyday to fulfill his role as a Plant & Equipment supervisor for NYC Transit and Fran would work locally as a teacher. He had a passion for his family, his boat, his lawn, his rollerblades, his martial arts and introducing everyone to share in his passions. From being a little league coach to having a trunk full of rollerblades, he wanted to teach and share with anyone interested. He loved to help others but always in his own quiet and humble way, never for praise or recognition but only to make a difference to someone. In 1998 he retired from Transit and truly enjoyed every moment with his beloved Fran and family. When she passed in 2020 he would never be the same. 51 years together and they never ran out of things to talk about. They were as in love 51 years later as they were when they said I do. He is now able to be reunited with her and continue the next chapter of their love story. He is survived by his son John O'Connell III and his wife Tara O'Connell, his younger siblings Tom O'Connell and his wife Lee, Tricia Reynolds and her husband James Reynolds and their family. He kept a close circle of friends and loved each of them dearly. He would do anything for anyone and was known for going out of his way for a stranger. He will be missed terribly, loved forever and remembered as a great father, brother, friend, neighbor and mentor.

There will be visiting hours and memorial service on Saturday, February 5th, from
2pm-6pm at the Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan. A religious service will be held at 4:15pm followed by military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations to a veteran-based organization will be greatly appreciated.

Masks and social distancing will be required.