Edward W. O'Connell

O'Connell, Edward W. NORTH GREENBUSH Our beloved brother, husband, father, and friend, Edward W. O'Connell, 66, of North Greenbush, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Edward was raised and educated in Rensselaer and was retired from the N.Y.S. Office of General Services. He was an avid horse racing fan and loved to spend summers at Saratoga Race Course with his family and friends. Family was his first priority and he always made sure they were well taken care of. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, the former JoAnn Majewski, whom he married on May 17, 1980. He was the proud and loving father of his three children, Kathleen, Timothy, and Christine. In addition, he leaves a sister, Catherine Stephenson of East Longmeadow, Mass.; and a brother, Steve Abston of Rensselaer; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas E. O'Connell and Dorothy C. (Schubert) O'Connell; sister, Dorothy O'Connell; and brother, Kenneth Abston. Friends and relatives may call at the Rockefeller Funeral House, 165 Columbia Tpke., Rensselaer, on Wednesday, May 17, from 3-6 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. the same day. Those wishing to remember Edward in a special way may make a memorial contribution to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204 or to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, 10 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.