William H. O'Connell III

William H. O'Connell III, "Billy", passed away with loving family by his side on October 13, 2021. He was 56 years old. Billy was born in Providence, RI to Mary Christine (nee Tuffy ) O'Connell and William H. O'Connell Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Kathleen (nee Conway); sons, Patrick, Liam, and Seamus; parents, Mary Christine and William II; siblings, Tommy (Kim), Seamus (Jen); Danny (Karen), nieces Ceili, Maggie, Shannon and Meaghan ; nephews Colin and Evan. There are also many relatives in Ireland, and Australia. Billy graduated from Our Lady of Providence Preparatory High School and Rhode Island College with a major in History. He enlisted in The United States Air Force and served during Desert Storm as a firefighter, stationed in New Mexico and Guam. He has served as a volunteer firefighter for Glenside Weldon Fire Company since 2003. He has been employed as a teacher for Archiocese of Providence, RI at St. Matthews School prior to his service in the military. Then as a Technical Recruiter with The Judge Group for thirteen years. He returned to his true calling as an elementary/ middle school teacher for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 2008. He taught 7th and 8th grade at St. Lawrence School in Upper Darby, as well as at St. Luke the Evangelist/ aka St. Joseph the Protector, in Glenside, Pa. His hobbies involved being a volunteer coach for St. Luke CYO and Glenside Youth Athletic Association. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus as well a proud and active member of The Mayo Society of Philadelphia. Relatives and friends are invited to Billy's Life Celebration on Sunday, October 31, 2021 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at St. Luke's the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 2316 Fairhill Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038. A second viewing will take place at St. Luke's on Monday, November 1, 2021 from 9:00AM to 10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:30AM. Interment with Military Honors will be rendered at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940. A Memorial Mass will also be held in Rhode Island on Veterans Day, Thursday November 11, 2021 at St. Mark's Church in Cranston, RI at 6:00pm A Memorial Mass will be held in Ireland on Friday October 29, 2021 at All Saint's Church in Killasser, Co. Mayo at 7:00pm In lieu of flowers, the family requests a charitable donation be made on behalf of Billy to either of these beloved organizations: The Kevin from Heaven Foundation Website: www.Kevinfromheaven.org The Mayo Association of Philadelphia Website: www.mayophiladelphia.com The family would like to express their gratitude to the wonderful people of Glenside who assisted the family during this stressful time To share your fondest memories of Billy and to express your condolences to the O'Connell family, please visit www.CraftGivnish.com.