John William O'Connell Jr.

1943 - 2024

John William O'Connell, Jr.

July 16, 1943 - October 6, 2024

John William O'Connell, Jr., who was affectionately known to some as "Johnny", was born July 16, 1943 to mother, Elizabeth, and father, John, Sr., both of whom precede him in death. John's first role in life was a mischievous baby brother to his sisters, Mary Ann and Peggy, who have many tales to tell! Despite their unwitting participation, it is thanks to Mary Ann and Peggy that John mastered the art of pranks and practical jokes, a hobby that carried him through til the end. His cousin Jimmy was more like a brother to him, and the two grew up side by side, attending Benedictine College Prep together. After graduation, John enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, where he met the love of his life, Helen, who preceded him in death. During their fifty-eight-year marriage, they were blessed with two daughters, Laura and Shannon, and later sons-in-law, Wyman and Drew. John's professional life included serving as a police officer for the Henrico Police Department where he made life-long friends, some of whose friendship carried him into his final days. He began his career at Philip Morris as a security officer, earning many well-deserved promotions and ultimately retiring as Director of Security. During his tenure at Philip Morris he was actively engaged in many organizations, including the Virginia Crime Clinic and American Society of Industrial Security, and was awarded many honors of distinction. Upon his retirement, he was honored to be chosen to serve in the coveted position of security liaison to the Crazy Mountain Ranch in Montana, where his co-workers fondly referred to him as "The Southern Gentlemen." Eventually John decided he didn't want to spend any more time away from home and he hung up his cowboy hat for a blue blazer, working as Courthouse Security for the Hanover County Sheriff's Office. He never met a stranger and it was the perfect opportunity for him to spend hours philosophizing about the ways of the world with his favorite deputies and courthouse lawyers. Without a doubt the most cherished days of his life were the days he spent with his grandchildren, Parker, Jay and Lauren, who loved and admired him, and knew him fondly as "Gaddy." The impact he had on their lives is immeasurable. John was a dedicated Catholic and never willingly missed a daily mass. He was a devoted parishioner at Saint Ann's Catholic Church, where he found great peace in his times of need. He took his job of bearing the cross, lighting the candles and delivering the canned goods to ACES as seriously as any position he ever held, and felt great pride in doing so. On Sunday, October 6, while surrounded by family and friends, he departed our world for a much better place where his beloved wife Helen was most certainly there to greet him with open arms. John will be remembered most for his dedication to family, sense of humor, selflessness to others, unwavering faith, and love of all things Irish.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Ann's Catholic Church on Friday, October 11th at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ashland Christian Emergency Services (ACES)at P.O. Box 144, Ashland, VA 23005 or Tunnels to Towers.