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BORN
1921
DIED
2010
William O'Connell Obituary
William Frederick (Fred) O'Connell, MD, of Red Bluff
passed away September 29, 2010
at the age of 88.
Born November 11, 1921 in Providence, Rhode Island, Fred received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and graduated from Yale University School of Medicine prior to completing his residency at Duke University. He served in the Navy during WWII. Fred was a long time resident of Tustin, CA where he practiced Pediatrics and served as Chief of Staff at Children's Hospital of Orange County from 1972 -1974. He later moved to Ensenada, Mexico and then to Red Bluff, CA in 2005.
Survivors include daughters Carol, Kathleen and Karen of Red Bluff, Rebecca Irvin of Anaheim, Cynthia Jobb of San Diego and Laurie Barrett of Valencia; brother, Tom O'Connell of Boston, MA; seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
Services in northern California will be held at Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers
in Red Bluff on October 18th at 2 pm.
Services in southern California will be held at The Waverly Chapel at Fairhaven Memorial Park
in Santa Ana, CA on Thursday, November 11th at 2:30 pm.
Donations can be made in Fred's name to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
@ www.pcrf-kids.org
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William O'Connell
Tye Trostad
April 25, 2022
Thank you so much for your kindness and loving care as my pediatrician. You saved my life when I was very young. You also coined my nickname that has been used by my close family and friends my entire life...my family remembers you very dearly
October 20, 2010
To all my West Coast Cousins,
Please know that I am thinking of you and understand the pain and loss that you are feeling. Losing a parent, even when expected, is never easy. If feels like a piece of you goes with him. Uncle Fred was so lucky to have all of you and I know that you miss him. I hope that sharing your stories and memories will help ease your sorrow. My heart goes out to you all.
Love, Linda Adams Penney
Hooksett, NH
October 17, 2010
My deepest sympathy to all of Dr O'Connell's family and friends. I first started working for Dr O'Connell in his private practice on First St, Tustin in 1967 until his retirement at TIPMG. He was a true, honest and loyal boss and always supported his employees--like the time I inadvertently sent his house payment to the subscription magazine company. He was angry at them for accepting the check--not me for sending it. I was surprised as his calmness and understanding when Jerry, his nurse, accidently burned down his new office lab.
Dr O'Connell lived a long interesting and distinguished life. He was a true gentleman of the old school whose morals and values have no equal in today's workplace. My family will always remember him with love for his care and generosity. We will miss you Dr O'Connell...Marjorie,Rod,Kevin and Ryan Martin
Jean Maker
October 14, 2010
Dr. O'Connell saved my life as well as my mother's when I was born prematurely at St. Joseph's Hospital almost 40 years ago. My sister and I were his patients for over 16 years. We are forever grateful.
Tara Soleil
October 13, 2010
R.I.P Fred
I will forever miss hearing you say "I just have one thing to ask you, just cut the gray ones."
I enjoyed my 5 years as your hairstylist. Condolences to Kathy and the rest of the family.
Rae Lynn Price
October 11, 2010
I had the pleasure to work with Fred at Tustin-Irvine Pediatric Medical Group for many years. He was a gentleman, a scholar, a fine Pediatrician and a great man. My condolences to the family, Rae Lynn Price
Randi Ansted-Guyer
October 11, 2010
It is terrible to lose a parent and my love and sympathy goes out to the O'Connell sisters. I have wonderful memories of Dr. O'Connell and his warm, gentle soul. And my beloved Becky, always MY dad's favorite. We all went through a lot during those years but I will always remember the good times and I wish you the strength to do the same. Peace to all. Randi Ansted-Guyer
October 11, 2010
Dear O'Connell Families,
I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Fred's passing.
We all know the heartache that you are feeling and just want you to know you are all in our thoughts.
Hold all his memories close to your heart.
Love to You All
Susan Adams Campbell
Brooklyn, NY
Spencer Kennedy
October 11, 2010
Carol and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May the memories always remain and the pain of loss subside quickly. With deepest sympathy,
Spence Kennedy (Aberdeen Street in Rochester/West High School)
October 10, 2010
To All Our Dear West Coast Cousins,
We send our deepest sympathy and love. Uncle Fred was a strong presence in your lives and our hearts break for you all. You loving care provided him a home throughout his life. You are all the best. Love and sympathy, Marcia Adams O'Neil, West Newbury, MA
Bette Adams Burke
October 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carol O'Connell
October 10, 2010
Thanks for all the stories - all the memories - all the magic moments. There's a hole in my life without you.
Dad and Karen @ Gennessee Valley Park, Rochester NY. I miss you Dad. Thanks for the wonderful memories.
Karen O'Connell
October 10, 2010
Karen O'Connell
October 10, 2010
I miss you Dad.
Debi Warren
October 10, 2010
I worked for Dr. O'Connell from 1973 until he retired. The work atmosphere that he and his partners created at the practice was that of a family working toward a common goal-caring for children. He was a fair, honest, and great boss.I remember when he and Dr. O'Sullivan started the St.Patrick's Day parade in Santa Ana. We had Leprechauns calling for weeks prior to the event. It was great to see the two of them marching so proudly down the street. His medical practice was a testament to the kind of doctor, but more importantly the kind of man he was. Our patients stayed with us for not just years, but generations. We knew the families by first names, we knew who was prone to earaches or strep. Many times people would call and say only the child's first name and we would know who it was( a far cry from today's offices).We were able to watch the kids grow up and then take care of their children,too. Working for Dr. O'Connell was not a job, but a joy, because we were all like family. My youngest called him Dr. Grampa when she was little. I will greatly miss Fred, but I know that he had a long and wonderful life and will be remembered with love and gratitude by many people. I will also miss his corny jokes. We love you, Fred. Debi and Gary Warren and Michelle, Jay and Kelly Warren your patients.
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