Mark A. O'Connell

Mark Allen O'Connell, 39, passed away May 30,2024 at St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was born December 22, 1984, in Youngstown, the beloved son of Mark W. and Pamela (Tacco-Davis) O'Connell, who preceded him in death. Mark graduated from Girard High School , and worked for Tuesday Morning for eighteen years.

Loving all things Scottish, Mark began bagpipe lessons at ten and would continue to play all his life at weddings, birthday parties, and memorial services. His business card read "Gentleman Piper" paying homage to Scottish and Northern Irish heritage.

Mark designed and registered the O'Connell family tartan. The wool was woven in Scotland and he had two kilts made, one for himself and one for his father as well as a pair of trousers for his grandfather, Bill O'Connell.

Mark belonged to the Monarchist League in Canada. During his membership he was given the opportunity of viewing Queen Elizabeth and was invited to see the changing of the guard. Canada was his second home. Mark counted among his closest friends, Michael Thomas and Matt Harrison, of Canada, and Shawn Husk of Warren, a fellow piper.

Mark was knowledgeable about the historical churches in the Youngstown area. He attended the services of some of the area's oldest churches, and would share his experiences with his beloved Aunt Deb. She has stated that Mark taught her a lot about Youngstown and European history. She will miss those wonderful conversations.

Mark leaves behind Great Aunts Deborah and Maureen Jones of Niles, Great Aunt Elaine(Jones) and Great Uncle Andy Starinchak of Columbus, Great Aunt Charmaine Jones of Girard, three Aunts: Linda Bobovynk of Florida, Debra (Glen Dellinger), of Niles, Jeanie (Rob Hoza) of Cortland, Uncle Bill Davis of Newton Falls, and many cousins.

A special thanks to Dr. Leigh Kester of St. Mary's Anglican Church of Akron and Pastor Mark Bell of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church of Boardman, Ohio for all their help during this difficult time.

Services will be held on Thursday June 6th at 12:00 PM at Blackstone Funeral Home with calling hours a hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary's Anglican Church at 1677 Triplett Blvd. Akron, Ohio 44306 and Cornerstone Presbyterian Church at 471 Mathews Rd. Boardman, Ohio 44512.