O’Connell, Dr. Daniel Edward, 84, of Roslindale passed away on April 15, 2014. Beloved husband of Patricia O’Connell. Devoted father of Daniel O’Connell and his wife Catherine of Norfolk, Kevin O’Connell of Jamaica Plain, John (Jack) O’Connell and his wife Kristina of Braintree, Karen Corsi of Medfield, Kenneth O’Connell and his wife Donna of Plainville, Maj. Brian O’Connell of Midlothian, VA, and Gregory O’Connell of Quincy. Daniel was the very proud grandfather of 14 and recently welcomed his first great grandson.
Visiting hours at The Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Monday April 21, from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Holy Name Church Tuesday April 22, at 11:30 AM. Interment Mt. Benedict Cemetery.
Daniel was born in South Boston on April 2, 1930. After graduating from South Boston High School he enlisted in the Marine Corps eventually becoming a Drill Instructor during the Korean War. Upon discharge from the Marines he enrolled at Boston College receiving a Bachelors of Science degree from which he embarked on a 36 year career in education with the Boston Public Schools. Daniel served as a teacher, the Director of Curriculum for Boston and as a school Principal. While educating the youth of the city he also managed to continue his own education receiving a Masters Degree from Suffolk University and earning a Doctorate Degree in Education from Boston College.
An accomplished aviator, Daniel was a private pilot for over 50 years including two decades where he served as a Search and Rescue Mission Commander as a volunteer member of the Civil Air Patrol. Both his educational and aviation experience was a great combination as he was also very active in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet program where he taught both Aerospace Education classes and conducted countless Cadet orientation flights. This dedication most certainly inspired multiple young Cadets to future careers in military, commercial and civil aviation.
His love for aviation was only rivaled by his love for travel. Whether it was pulling a trailer through the steep Rocky Mountains, Cruising the high seas or riding a camel through the streets of Jerusalem… Daniel did it all! National Historical landmarks, any museum that crossed his path, every Revolutionary or Civil War Battlefield… no beach too sandy, no roller coaster too fast, no mountain too high! One of the greatest gifts he gave his entire family was a lifetime of stories from travel adventures that are rivaled by none.
Family, friends or complete strangers… Daniel was the epitome of giving. As a devout Catholic he lived his faith through numerous charities and especially by giving his time to others in need. He was a regular at local nursing homes as a visitor to anyone needing company or a friend and spent countless hours volunteering at the Shattuck Hospital where he also served as a Eucharistic Minister. A loving husband, dedicated father and cherished grandfather with an infectious smile… Daniel touched so many lives and is leaving a legacy that will surely carry his spirit on for generations to come.