Edward Timothy O'Connell

Edward Timothy O'Connell, 84 years, completed a loving journey on earth and entered into his heavenly home on Sept. 28, 2015, reuniting with his parents, two sisters, other loved ones and his heavenly Father. He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Edward, also known as Ed or Eddie is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Frances and their eight children, Stephen, Jeanne (Paul) Franza, Mary (Martin) Reidell, Michael (Heidi) O'Connell, Thomas (Maura) O'Connell, Timothy (Pamela) O'Connell, Laura (Thomas) Gibson, Rita (Thomas) Colin; 38 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Dorothy Sullivan; brothers-in-law, Michael (Barbara) Demchak and Michael Sugrue; and many nieces and nephews.
Ed was born in the Bronx, New York and over the years resided with Frances, his loving wife and his growing family in Levittown, Long Island, New York, Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, Baldwin, Long Island, New York, Cairo, New York in the Catskill Mountains, and in recent years Leisure Village in Ridge, Long Island, New York. After retirement Ed and Fran spent their winters in St. Augustine, Florida, residing in St. Augustine Shores.
Devoted to his Catholic faith, he attended parishes in the various areas he resided.
He was a member of The Metal Lathers Reinforcing Iron Workers Union Local 46 for 40 years, where he served as business agent for 16 years. He was past president of the New York State Council of Lathers. He guided many men in their careers in the construction industry.
Ed was a proud patriot, a US Army veteran and member of The American Legion. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus, Father Joseph O'Connell Council #3481 in Oceanside, New York.
He was active in the Pro-Life Movement, defender of the unborn and participated in many projects that helped to save their lives.
Ed was the son of Irish immigrants and always remained proud of his Irish heritage and culture. He was a lover of Irish music and a member of the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Center in East Durham, New York.
An avid reader of mystery novels, lifelong Yankee fan, an occasional golfer, hosting "The O'Connell Open" golf tournament for his Local 46 friends while living in The Catskills.
Ed and Fran were inseparable. Their country house in The Catskills provided the setting for many years of family gatherings, the family waking up to Ed's famous Irish soda bread baking in the oven. His large family was his pride and joy, sometimes traveling many miles to visit and share special events with them.
The name Edward means "appointed to serve, guardian of happiness." Ed truly lived up to his name, spending his entire life protecting, taking care of others and bringing happiness to all he knew. His sparkling blue eyes, sharp intellect, quick wit, strength and kindness will be sorely missed by all his family and friends. The time of our separation will not be long.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home, 385 State Road 207, St. Augustine, FL 32084 with a Vigil service taking place at 6 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 5205 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080.
Interment at San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery, 1635 U.S. 1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32084. There will be additional memorial services in New York at a later date.
St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.