DENNIS F. O'CONNELL

DENNIS F. O'CONNELL,SR., AGE 85, beloved husband of the late Bonnie (nee Roskom); loving father of Sheilah Long (Steve), Timothy (Maria), Bridget Aliff (Eric), Maggie Puwal and Dennis F. Jr.; much loved grandfather of Steve Jr., Michael, Katie, Liah, Erin, Morgan, Bethany, Danielle and Alexandria , great grandfather of Maddie, Seamus, Gwen, Emrys, Ella, Jack, Denver, Dakota and Giovanni; brother of Elizabeth Kilpatrick (Tom)-both deceased, Patricia Smith (William), Tim (Phyllis)-deceased and Suzanne O’Connell (Jerry Gouch); uncle and great uncle of many. Proud U.S.A.F veteran and retired member of Plumbers Local 55. Passed away September 16, 2023. Funeral Mass Friday, September 22, St. Bernadette Church (2256 Clague Rd. Westlake) at 11:30 A.M. Burial will be private Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS RD. THURSDAY 4-7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Monastery of the Poor Clares, 3501 Rocky River Drive Cleveland, OH. 44111.

September 16th, 2023, Dennis Francis O’Connell, 85, of Cleveland, OH, passed away peacefully in his home.

Dennis was the beloved husband of the late, Bonnie J. O’Connell (nee. Roskom).

He is survived by his children, Sheilah Long (Steve), Timothy F. (Maria), Bridget Aliff (Eric), Maghan Puwal, and Dennis F. Jr. much loved grandfather of Steve Jr., Michael, Katie, Liah, Erin, Morgan, Bethany, Danielle and Alexandria, great grandfather of Maddie, Seamus, Gwen, Emrys, Ella, Jack, Denver, Dakota and Giovanni, uncle and great uncle to many. 

Dennis was the first born to Francis D. O’Connell and Sue (nee. Tallarico) on November 27th, 1937, followed by Elizabeth Kilpatrick (Tom) both deceased, Patricia Smith (Will), Tim (Phyllis; deceased), and Suzanne O’Connell (Jerry Gouch). 

Dennis was a graduate of John Marshall High School. Following his graduation, he did a short year at Bowling Green State University, playing for Doyt Perry. Dennis departed college to return home to Cleveland, marry his high school sweetheart, and headed off into the Air Force as an Airman. In the military he traveled all over, most notably to San Angelo, Texas and Misawa, Japan, where Bonnie and Dennis welcomed their first two children. Upon returning to Cleveland, the family made room for three more children. This is where Bonnie and Dennis remained until both of their passings. Amongst their time together, they made countless friends and memories within the neighborhood and community as a whole. Dennis lead the St. Patrick’s’ Day parade in Cleveland many times, something he was very proud of. The family spent much of their time traveling the continental U.S. but always made time to be at home and spending time together. Dennis was also a retired member of Plumbers Local 55. Dennis was a proud football and baseball coach as well. In addition he worked above the Arctic Circle on the Alaskan pipeline, which he also was very proud of and would love to tell stories about. Later in life Dennis also always made time to have monthly dinners with his siblings, who he always had a pridefully close relationship with. 

Those who knew Dennis were blessed with feeling his warmth in everything he said and did. Dennis’ infectious smile and booming laughter was known to brighten everyone’s day and deafen everyone’s ears. Dennis always had an Irish Blessing to share with anyone who was willing to hear it. Although Dennis will be missed by all those who knew him, we may find comfort in the fact that Dennis has now joined his beloved wife in God’s Kingdom and has returned home. 

“May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”