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Joseph O'Connell Obituary
Joe was educated in New York and served in the Navy as a Chinese and Japanese communications specialist during the Vietnam War. After leaving the military, Joe graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. In the following years, Joe continued to utilize his Chinese and Japanese linguistic skills working for several Far East shipping companies in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Virginia. In 1978, Joe answered a ministerial calling and moved to North Carolina to complete a master's degree in divinity with languages at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest.
As an ordained Southern Baptist minister, Joe served in several parishes in New Jersey and Virginia. Retiring and moving to Pennsylvania, Joe continued his pastoral work and served as Thornhurst Fire Department chaplain. Joe also shared his love of languages as a Latin teacher at Notre Dame High School, East Stroudsburg, and more recently as a substitute teacher at Holy Cross High School in Dunmore.
Joe is survived by four children, Maurice Ian O'Connell, of Seminole, Fla.; Alana Johnson, of Beaufort, N.C.; Christopher O'Connell, of Raleigh, N.C.; and Kathleen O'Connell, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; his brother, John O'Connell, of Boothbay Harbor, Maine; and sister, Clare O'Connell, of Hopewell Junction, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Andre and Desiree; two nieces, a nephew, two grand-nieces and two grand-nephews; and numerous Grab family members here in Pennsylvania and throughout the U.S.
A viewing will be held Saturday, April 8, 2017, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Duffy and Snowdon Funeral Home, 401 Church St., Moscow, Pa. In lieu of flowers, Joe has requested contributions to the either the Plains Twp.VA Medical Center Palliative Care/Hospice GFP-8090 (Plains Twp. VA Medical Center, Voluntary Service Office (01/10), 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711); or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/Donate).
Church services and interment will be held in July to coincide with the annual Grab reunion so that more family members will be able to attend his memorial.
For online condolences, please visit the funeral home's website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph O'Connell
Alana Johnson (Daughter)
April 10, 2017
Thank you to all for your show of love, support and concern, in addition to the extra prayers.
Peace is with him as I hope it's with you ALWAYS.
Julianne Clifton
April 7, 2017
We two sang together a duet at TUMC this year...Joe was a good friend of my late husband, Ken. Joe was interested in sharing his faith in Christ, to all. My sincere sympathy to his loved ones.
Barbara Stanton
April 7, 2017
I am so sorry for the family who had to say goodbye, but I know Joe is celebrating with our Lord.
Lonnie Alston
April 7, 2017
My condolences to your family. Love you!
Manny Sola
April 7, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Family. Joe was a good friend and mentor. I first met Joe in 1975 while he was working with my Dad at Transconex in Miami, actually he was my boss at the time I was hired. I learned a lot about the shipping business and a lot about life in general from Joe. We stayed in touch throughout the years and I was fortunate to spend some quality time together with him a few years ago. You will be sorely missed my friend.
Dana Mercer
April 6, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for family and friends for strength and healing
José M Miranda
April 6, 2017
Our heart felt condolences to the O'Connell family from the Miranda family. A great person of whom my son Zachary learned much from & held him in high regards.
April 5, 2017
I can't believe that I knew Joel for such a short time (2010). Our many conversations had a big effect on my life. We used to exchange many phrases and jokes in Latin. He would say these things and then translate what it meant. On Saturday night after his death, I searched many Latin sayings on death and on mourning. The one that I think Joel would have liked is this: Acta set fibula, plaudite! That means: The play is over, applaude. Applause from me for a life well-lived!
April 5, 2017
I knew Joe as the mock trial faculty adviser. He was a good man who cared deeply for his students. He will be missed.
Mike Muth
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
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