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James E. O'Connell
1944 - 2025
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James O'Connell Obituary
Aug 22, 1944 - Aug 23, 2025
81, of Forestville died at United Memorial Medical Center North Street Campus, Batavia, N.Y. He was born in Great Falls, Montana, the son of the late James and Elizabeth (O'Donnell) O'Connell, was raised in Kenmore, N.Y., and resided in Forestville for more than five decades. Jim was an alumnus of Canisius High School and the former Canisius College, obtaining both a BS and MA in English literature and theatre. He also held an MBA in finance from St. Bonaventure University. Jim served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star. He taught English Arts at Maryvale High School in Cheektowaga served as CFO at the former Crolle Agway in Forestville and the former Verblaw Motors in Jamestown. He was also the Credit Manager for the former Gernatt Family of Companies in Collins. Husband of Barbara J. (Crolle) O'Connell; father of Kathleen O'Connell-Armstrong, James (Julia) O'Connell, William (Johnna) O'Connell; brother of Joseph O'Connell, Matthew (Barbara) O'Connell, Thomas (Linda) O'Connell; and brother-in-law of James (Carol) Crolle. Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville, on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. from Holy Trinity Church, 1032 Central Avenue, Dunkirk. Please meet at church. For more information go to www.rilesandwoolleyfunerahome.com.
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