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John P. O'Connell

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Fordham University University of California Los Angeles University of Washington

John O'Connell Obituary

John P. O'Connell

Jack O'Connell, teacher extraordinaire (born 8 Nov 1935, Auburn NY), passed away July 2, 2012, after a brief illness. Jack is survived by his wife, Arvella Weir, his sister Kate O'Connell (husband Mike Miller) and brother Barry O'Connell (wife Kristin) and their children, and by his step-children Mitch (wife Sandy), Michael,

and Michele Weir.

Jack earned a BS from Fordham University (1956) and an MA, in French, from UCLA (1963). He was Assistant Professor in the Department of Romance Languages, and later, Foreign Study Administrator, at the University of Washington (1965 - 1980). With Arvella, his partner in Beanstalk Travel Tour Company, he led tours to Europe that were enriched by Jack's fluency in several languages, and encyclopedic knowledge of the arts and architecture.

Jack was a founding faculty member of Seattle Academy of Arts & Sciences, where he taught Latin, English, and (always) French. Jack was an inveterate teacher, whom his former students remember as one of the best they had ever had.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to NW Harvest, in Jack's name, are suggested. Burial will be in upstate New York.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Jul. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John O'Connell

17 Entries

Christopher Maryatt

July 25, 2013

Dear Jack,

In many ways, you were more to me a father and my own paternal dad was. As my beloved teacher, you were stern and strict when you had to be, and understanding and tender when I needed it.

You showed me what the most important values were in life. I am sorry that I cannot share with you how they have impacted me now, and how I am following your lessons about where I need to go and how to get there -- things you would have wanted for me.

It is a poignant coincidence that right before you died, Benoît, Françoise, my mother and I were all in a place you would have loved, joking about the past and remembering you. You will always be in my heart and often in my thoughts.

Adieu -- in the literal translation of the word.

Love,
Chris

Rebecca Maryatt

July 25, 2013

Rest in peace, Jack.

August 18, 2012

August 18, 2012
Just received the Moravia paper and saw that Jack died. Jack & I were altar boys at St. Patrick's Church in Moravia, NY, back in the '50's. At that time all we spoke was English & Latin. May Jack rest in peace now.
Jim Connell
Gilbert, AZ

Guy Hutchison

July 26, 2012

Last weekend I went camping with my wife and one-year-old son. At night my son was fussy and didn't want to go to sleep, so I sang "Au Clair de la Lune" to him. I know this song because we learned to sing it in Jack's French class.

Jack inspired in me a love of learning and foreign languages. I may not remember more than a couple phrases in Latin but it still helps me to this day in my command of English.

Thank you for spending the time to teach all of us the language and culture of another country, and caring enough to know the knowledge went through. Thank you for throwing chalk at us when our short-attention-span teenage brains went wandering, or when we were being lazy and not applying ourselves to the problem. Thank you also for missing, at least most of the time.

From my comments here and the many other comments, not only is it clear the impact that a great teacher can have, but that you were truly one of the greats. You will be missed.

Au Revoir

Paul Jennings

July 23, 2012

I was a student of Jack's at Northwest School, and to say his influence was profound is an understatement. His focus on educating and mentoring students was exactly what that place - and the students - needed during those chaotic early years, and for that I thank him.

His guidance and counsel through our 30 years of friendship has meant so much to me and my family. I so admired his savvy, his intellect, and his worldliness. Whenever asked about the people of influence in my life, Jack O'Connell has always topped the list.

We're so sorry for your loss, Arvella. Thank you for your friendship all these years.

I'll miss you, Jack.

Michelle Mueller

July 23, 2012

Jack O'Connell was indeed a teacher extraordinaire. He taught me French, he inspired me, he cajoled me. He introduced me to Jacques Brel, Racine, Andre Gide, Camus -- tout en francais. He never doubted my abilities and expected the best. Jack, wherever your spirit is now, I hope you have books galore and excellent conversation. Avec amour,

Lisa Strong

July 22, 2012

Without a doubt, Jack was the most influential educator I had the pleasure of studying under - his patience coupled with his mastery, his humor tempered by reverence, and his laugh just shy of a roar.
What a gift he gave us all at Northwest.

Kim Eney

July 20, 2012

So sorry to hear of his passing. I think about Jack often. He was one of the two best teachers I have ever had in my entire life. My children love the story of what he did to the gum chewers in his room. DANS LA CORBEILLE!!! But I am glad he does not have to hear my son's butchering of the French language which he somehow manages to do with a German accent(despite my best efforts to pass on Jack's "eeeeee-ooooooo make a cheerio" technique). Bon voyage Jack. Thank you for your knowledge and love of learning that you passed on to your students.

Amy Ebersole

July 10, 2012

Dear Jack:

I heard that you had died. When and how I don't know, but it was on Facebook so it must be true. (Just for you I said that.) I regret that I didn't email you the other day, and last month, and 5 months ago, when I thought about it. But you did know I loved you, so I suppose I'll have to be content with that.

I told you not that long ago that, back in the day when I was a complete wreck, you were like a father to me. You responded true to form: “Aimee, you had perfectly wonderful parents in Jan and Terry.” (End of subject.)

I can think of no better way to honor you, my long standing mentor and friend, than by reading once again the book “Ce lui que jamais vue la mer.” You know I have a tiny basement library of French and grammar and travel and other books? You were the inspiration. You had bookshelves floor to ceiling, row by row, and not only had you had read them all, but you could pluck any of them out and speak about…well, just about anything. You were a true Renaissance man, Jack. You were a thinker of the kind I had never known and am not likely to meet again.

You were an amazing man, with an expansive brain and heart. To be loved by you was, I don't know, it made a person feel special. And now that I know I can't call you anymore, (which I didn't do often or often enough but I'm so glad I did do) - somehow it makes the world more lonely. And I thank you, Jack, for being there – and frankly for saving me - at a very difficult time in my life. You always were big on lessons. I don't like this one, that you too can die. But I am grateful to have been a part of your large and wonderful life, and I am so glad to have had you in my life. You taught me so much more than French or history.

Bonne nuit, Jacques…cultivate ton jardin dans la ciel.

Ton amie,
Aimee (I'm sure the grammar is all wrong. Dans la corbeil with me!)

To Arvella: I have truly enjoyed every moment I have spent with you. Thank you for sharing yourself and Jack with me.

Michael Jacobs

July 10, 2012

I was lucky enough to have Jack as a teacher for nearly two years. In a school with great teachers, he still stood out. He will be missed.

Andrew Lanczos

July 10, 2012

Je suis de tout cœur avec toi.

Few words can express the meaning and importance Jack O'Connell has had in my life. He is one of the best teachers I have ever had in more than 17 years of formal education and indeed in my general life education.

Jack took the time and made the effort to understand who I am and what my strengths and weaknesses are so as to tailor his educating me accordingly. One of many teachers at SAAS who naturally taught me at any moment we were together, not just when in class. The most important lessons I learned from Jack had nothing to do with French and are still living with me to this day.

A wonderfully intelligent, worldly, caring and tough man, Jack O'Connell was a remarkable person and teacher. What a loss that I will not be able to meet him again. My warm regards and condolences to Arvella.

Anna MacInnes

July 9, 2012

Au revoir mon ami. I was blessed to have had Jack as my French teacher at SAAS for five years. It is amazing how much I still remember over twenty years later. I remember hanging out with Jack at the coffee shop next to the school and discussing how to conjugate verbs or relaying what I had gathered from the book we were reading. Jack was an amazing teacher and also a friend. I was lucky enough to see Jack at a reunion several years ago and I was quick to show off my memory of the French language. We spent time catching up and now I am even happier than I was back then, because I was able to spend time with such a great person. Many thanks to Jack for bestowing all of his wisdom upon thousands of eager students. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Elizabeth Goolian

July 9, 2012

I loved Jack and was so saddened to hear of his relatively early passing. He was one-of-a-kind, no doubt about it. I will never forget a dinner with Jack and Arvella at Seattle's The Other Place restaurant--I had worked for Jack over a weekend and he promised me a dinner at the restaurant of my choice. I chose The Other Place (not really knowing what I was requesting) and the three of us had the most magical night. I remember every course and I remember Jack chatting in French with the sommelier and the fromagerie (Jack, is that correct?). And his Thanksgiving dinners were legion. He was often thought of and will be missed. One doesn't forget Jack O'Connell.

Betsy (Elizabeth) Goolian

Clarisse and Bill Zimra-Turley

July 8, 2012

The news hit us hard, as we sat watching a beautiful Provence sunset under the olive trees Jack had promised to come help us tend soon. We feel particularly sorry not to be in Seattle to hug Arvella, she who must be right now comforting others in their grief rather than tending to hers. For close to a half-century Jack has been a feisty, warm and generous friend who could not stop arguing and marveling at all the languages he knew, all the students he had saved from themselves, and all the state capitols he had visited. A true Renaissance man, and an eccentric one, he wore his erudition lightly. Wherever he is on the Great Voyage, I trust he has forgiven me for losing a priceless and much cherished Henry Adams book he wanted me to read a long time ago. Gentleman that he was, he never once mentioned it. We know Jack is probably plotting to put St. Peter's private library in the proper order. The earth tonight feels a bit smaller and duller. We miss him.

Terry and Jan Ebersole

July 8, 2012

Jack was an amazing human being and "the" teacher every parent wants for their child. We were among those extraordinarily fortunate parents to have him. Our memory of Jack will always be held close by the Ebersole family. It was a privilege to know you and to consider you a friend. Our condolences and best wishes, Arvella.

Peggy Whipple

July 8, 2012

Jack was a wonderful teacher, a marvelous non-micro-managing boss, and a generous and thoughtful friend. He possessed a quick and spirited wit, and he had a smile that lit up any room. In a friendship of over 40 years, he helped me negotiate several bumps in life's always surprising journey. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. It was a privilege to know him.

July 8, 2012

To the family of Jack.... Jack was well liked and a great addition to our Shoreline exercise class. We can only imagine what a great teacher he was. We will miss him greatly. June and Jim Franchebois Members of Jack's Exercise Class.

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