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Philip Joseph O'Connell
1954 - 2025
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Philip O'Connell Obituary
April 2, 1954 - August 27, 2025
Phil O'Connell, 71, a long-time Missoula resident, passed away August 27, 2025 after an illness. Phil was born in Worcester, Mass., the son of Laurence P. and Frances (Foley) O'Connell. Phil was the eldest of seven boisterous children. He attended Worcester public schools and had many wonderful friends. He loved spending his summer vacations in Green Hill Beach, Rhode Island.
After attending Boston College, Phil headed west, arriving in Missoula in 1977. He fell in love with the Missoula Valley and made it his home. Phil was an excellent student and was particularly interested in history and the natural sciences. He could name every stream and waterway in western Montana. He graduated from the University of Montana in 1986 and from UM Law School in 1989.
Phil practiced law in Missoula for many years focussing on litigation involving land ownership disputes, taking after his father who practiced law as the head of a Massachusetts title company. He also represented community non-profit organizations he cared about, Habitat for Humanity and the Five Valleys Land Trust, with their land acquisitions and sales.
Phil loved Big Sky country - camping, fishing, hiking. He was very proud to climb Mt. Jumbo, Mt. Sentinel, Waterworks Hill, and the Rattlesnake Trail System every day for years.
Phil was involved with the Lutheran Church in Bonner. He loved to sing and joined the Mendelssohn Club and the Missoula Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. He loved to entertain with food, stories, and song.
Phil spent his last year in Lewistown where he received great care at Caslen Assisted Living and Valle Vista Manor, and he made good friends at Zion Lutheran church.
Phil leaves his son, Laurence Power ("Luke") O'Connell, and Luke's mother, Julie Gibson, both of Missoula; his sister, Anne and husband Jack; four brothers: Jeremy, Laurence and wife Mary-Louise, George and wife Kathleen, and Charlie; many nieces and nephews and two grand-nieces. His sister, Clare and his parents predeceased him.
Memorial and burial arrangements will be announced later in the year. Phil would be best memorialized by donations to Habitat for Humanity and The Five Valleys Land Trust.
Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Phil's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip O'Connell
Sponsored by Creel Funeral Home - Lewistown.
2 Entries
Land Morrow Lindbergh
Earlier today
I so appreciated Phil's friendship as well as his professional help. We spent many hours together pouring over maps while preparing a multitude of water right filings for my family ranch at Greenough, and as well canoeing on some of the most beautiful rivers of Montana. We liked to read the same books, and he put me on to many an outstanding author I would never have found without his invaluable tips. I am honored to include him as a close friend during a difficult time in my life. I wish I could have done more for him in his last years. Maybe catch a glimpse of you somewhere along the Blackfoot, Phil, on your way to calmer waters? I hope so. LAND
Julio K. Morales
Yesterday
Sad to learn of Philip´s passing. We knew each other well as fellow Missoula lawyers, and we also served on one or two boards together. I also sang for a short time with the Mendelssohn Club when retiring if my travels permitted. Always respected Phil. He was a good lawyer and a good person. Condolences.
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