Eugene E. "Gene" O'Connell

Eugene E. O'Connell, known to many as Gene, passed away on September 8, 2025, in Dunnellon, Florida, at the age of 89. Born on March 20, 1936, in Long Island, New York, Gene was the son of Eugene O'Connell and Eleanor Maran. He spent his early years in Newark, New Jersey, before moving to Madison, where he attended Madison High School and played on the football team. From 1956 to 1959, Gene served in the National Guard. Following his service, he began a long career with Jersey Central Power & Light Company, retiring in 1991. His work as a land surveyor reflected his lifelong interest in problem solving and curiosity about the world around him. In the early 1970s, Gene moved with his wife Mary to the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, a place he cherished deeply. In 2003, they relocated to Dunnellon, Florida. Gene and Mary shared 43 years of marriage until her passing. Gene enjoyed a wide range of interests including watching Westerns, maintaining his yard, visiting with friends, and participating in church activities. His sense of humor was well known among those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father Eugene O'Connell; mother Eleanor Maran; daughter Debra O'Connell; and wife Mary Scott. Gene is survived by his sisters Fran Kober of Medway, MA; Dorothy Collins of LaBelle, FL; Irene Megill of Brick, NJ; Trudy Niewarowski of Madison, NJ; and Tina Maran of Madison, NJ. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Linda Sheridan of Albrightsville, PA; daughters Karyn O'Connell of Reidsville, NC; Maureen O'Connell of Milford, DE; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A private family celebration will be held in New Jersey in accordance with Gene's wishes. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.