Daniel O'Connell

Dan O'Connell, age 53, of Summit, NJ, passed away on January 19, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Francis and Lucille O'Connell. Dan was the beloved husband of Page (Higgins), and the adoring father of Scotty H. (20), Danny X. (18) and Susannah B. O'Connell (15). He was the loving brother of Amy Christopher (Bruce) of Brewster, MA, Andrew O'Connell (Julie) of Needham, MA and Rosemary O'Kieffe (Jay) of Arlington, VA. Dan is also survived by many adoring nieces and nephews and his loyal dogs Daisy and Clover.
Dan was charming. His dimpled smile, quick wit and memorable laugh lit up the room. He had a successful career and many friends, but he was a family man at heart. He was proud of the home he made in Summit and enjoyed life each day, whether it be a round of golf or a beer at the Elks. A lifelong athlete, Dan loved competition and could turn literally anything into a trash-talking good time. An avid Boston sports fan, Dan was a diehard Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots fan and was known to extoll the many wonders of Larry Bird and Tom Brady. He was a devoted husband and shared a remarkable 25-year partnership with his wife Page. Together they created a loving family. To watch him as a father was truly amazing. He nurtured special and deep bonds with each of his children, Scotty, Danny and Susannah. The love and banter in their home was palpable.
A graduate of Syracuse University and later NYU Business School, Dan had an extensive career in the pharmaceutical industry with senior-level stops at Organon, Merck, Schering-Plough, Novartis and Pharmacia. He is remembered by colleagues not only for his intelligent and strategic approach but also his ability to connect with people, establishing long-lasting friendships on a personal level.
Raised in Holden, MA, Dan was the oldest of four siblings. As a big brother he is irreplaceable. Growing up he blazed a trail for his younger siblings, making their journey a little easier. As they grew older, and especially after their father passed, he filled those shoes too. He was their mentor and confidant. He listened, counseled and never let anyone take things too seriously. Dan could always make others laugh, the world just won't seem right without him in it.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 10 am at St. Patrick's Church, 85 Washington Ave. Chatham, NJ. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022, from 3 pm to 7 pm at the Bradley Brough & Dangler Funeral Home, 299 Morris Ave. Summit, NJ
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Dan O'Connell (https://www.heart.org/?form=legacy). To send the family a condolence, please visit, www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.