Thomas M. O'Connell Sr.

July 10, 2012

Thomas M. O'Connell Sr., 87, of Prospect Park, formerly of Girardville, passed away peacefully Tuesday at Springfield Commons Retirement Center surrounded by his family.

Born in Girardville, Aug. 21, 1924, he was a son of the late Michael and Anne Roache O'Connell.

Thomas was a 1942 graduate of St. Joseph High School, Girardville.

He was an Army veteran serving during World War II, achieving the rank of sergeant. He was involved in battles at Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe and the Rhineland, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars.

He was a retired manager from Emery Air Freight with 25 years of service.

Thomas was very active with St. Madeline Catholic Church as a eucharistic minister. He was a lifetime member of the Peace council, Milmont Park, a member of Prospect Park Fire Company, Borough Council, 4th of July Association, Interboro Optimist Club, Prospect Park Boys Club and American Legion Post 507. Thomas was also president of the Parent's Guild at Immaculata College and he was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed going to Maryland for camping, fishing, crabbing and boating and loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Rosemary Birster O'Connell; his daughter, Judith Anne O'Connell; and his siblings, William, Al, Howard, Mary Zutlas and Cletus Finlan.

Surviving are his loving children, Thomas M. O'Connell Jr. (Gloria), Rosemary Azeff (Daniel), Patrick O'Connell (Sheila) and Kathleen Smith (Frank); 11 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and after 8:30 a.m. Monday at Cavanagh Family Funeral Home, 301 Chester Pike, Norwood. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the Church of St. Madeline, Ridley Park. Interment with military honors will be in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. James Regional Catholic School, 500 Tome St., Ridley Park, PA 19078. Cavanagh Funeral Home, Norwood, is in charge of arrangements.