Dr. Robert L. O'Connell

1930 - 2021

Dr. Robert O'Connell, 91, beloved husband to Mary (Horrigan) O’Connell, passed away Tuesday July 6, 2021 in the Phoenixville Hospital. He was born January 12, 1930 in Jersey City to John and Catherine (Courtney) O’Connell. He was pre-deceased by his brother William O’Connell, MD. Robert was a lifelong resident of the Pottstown/Reading area. He attended Valley Forge Military Academy, then went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Notre Dame and his Doctor of Medicine from St. Louis University School of Medicine. He served at Dover Air Force Base as a flight physician, after which he returned to the Philadelphia area where he maintained his family practice of 35 years in Pottstown. In addition, he served as physician at the Hill School and Bethlehem Steel. Robert was an active member in his local parishes, which include Saint Aloysius, Saint Basil the Great and Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Robert leaves behind his loving wife, nine children: Robert O’Connell (Laurie), Margaret Starcevic (Michael), John O’Connell, Christopher O’Connell (Carol), Maureen Pence (Scott), Timothy O’Connell (Terri), Ellen Tubbs (Michael), Mary Claire Ragan (Joseph) and Kathleen DeMutis (Emmanuel), 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, July 9, 2021 at 11:30 AM at St. Teresa of Calcutta Church, 256 Swamp Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473. Friends and the community are invited to visit with the family prior to the Mass from 9:30 – 11:30 AM at the church. Burial will be immediately following in the St. Aloysius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial in Dr. O’Connell’s name can be made to St. Teresa of Calcutta, 256 Swamp Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473, and Friends of Kenyan Orphans, 18640 Mack Ave. Suite 1294, Grosse Pointe MI 48236. https://www.friendsofkenyanorphans.org/about, Online condolences can be made at www.rstrunkfuneralhome.com. All arrangements are being handled by R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc Phoenixville, PA.