Dr. William B. O'Connell

Canandaigua – Dr. William B. O'Connell, age 95, passed away peacefully at home, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elinor (Butler) O'Connell; two sons, Michael O'Connell and Lee F. (Tammie) Kaminski; two daughters, Kathleen (William) Retzner and Mary Pat (James) Smilikis; seven grandchildren, Daniel (Ann), Kerry (Brian), Megan, John, Evan, Benjamin and Katherine; and four great-grandchildren, Mae, Hannah, Lucas and Benjamin. He was predeceased by his first wife, Edith O'Connell in 1976; and daughter, Ellen (Kaminski) Guest in 2001.
Bill was born in Brockport and was the son of William, Sr. and Lucy (Caldwell) O'Connell. He attended Brockport schools and was a graduate of Brockport High School, class of 1946. Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Notre Dame University, class of 1950 and a Doctorate degree in math education from U of R. He worked at Eastman Kodak in Rochester from 1950-1957. From 1957-1988, Bill taught math and science at West Irondequoit High School, retiring in 1988.
Bill was a member of St. Mary's Church. He was an avid Notre Dame sports fan and active alumnus. Bill enjoyed traveling, wintering in Florida and spending time with family on Canandaigua Lake.
His memorial mass will be celebrated at 1 PM on Saturday, January 25, at St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Brockport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Benedict Parish for St. Mary's Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424 or Notre Dame University, Holy Cross Dr., Notre Dame, IN 46556. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.