Patrick Michael O’Connell – April 16, 1953 to January 30, 2019
Patrick M. O’Connell, aged 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Samaritan Hospital in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Like the Irish hooligan he was, he battled long and hard to stay, until his very last breath.
Patrick, born in Philadelphia, lived in Coatesville, Pennsylvania until recently, relocating to Leisuretown in Southampton, New Jersey to be near his sister, family and friends.
Patrick was as 1972 graduate from Pemberton High School. Just like his father and uncles before him, he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #542 – operating heavy equipment. He worked all over the country on pipelines and numerous construction projects. Pat retired in 2012 after serving 39 + years.
Prior to his illness, Patrick loved riding his Harley Davidson Fat Boy. He enjoyed watching the History channel and any program related to re-building engines and cars. He loved to watch the music channel - catching an old Eric Clapton or Pink Floyd concert. His nephews frequently drove him around town to Russo’s farmers market for tomatoes or over to White Dotte for vanilla milk shakes. He rooted for the Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed the car shows at Johnsons in Medford.
Pre-deceased to Patrick are his wife Krystyna (Wisniewski) O’Connell, parents Francis (Oakie) O’Connell and Shirley (Stinnett) O’Connell, brothers Daniel & Michael O’Connell and little sister Cathleen O’Connell-Burgess.
Patrick is survived by his sister Colleen O’Connell-Bakely, husband David Bakely, his nephews Tyler and fiancée Caitlin Cronin, Cameron and godson Owen Bakely. Also survived by his niece Gabrielle Lorenz, her husband Matthew and their sons Jacob “Jakey” & Matthew “Matty” Lorenz with their companion Lucy Cathleen, as well as niece Hannah Burgess soon to be married to Michael Powers and their faithful companion Kipp Powgess. Patrick is survived by many cousins, especially Carol O’Connell-Bailey and Mary O’Connell-Pica who saddled up with his sister sitting vigil next to his bedside for several days. Patrick will also miss his dearest and oldest friend Alan Conine.
A proper Irish funeral and wake will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the Mount Laurel Home for Funerals – 212 Ark Road, Mount Laurel New Jersey. A one hour meet and greet will start at 10:30 a.m. with a short service starting at 11:30 a.m. Shortly there after, Patrick will take his last ride on his beloved Harley in a procession from the services to Carlucci’s Waterfront in Mount Laurel.
The family asks all who attend to please wear jeans – anything comfortable representing either Harley Davidson, Ireland or the Dallas Cowboys – its exactly what Patrick would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice. There are no words that exist to describe the tender care given and the dignity restored to Patrick by this invaluable organization.
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
5 Eves Drive – Suite 300
Marlton, NJ 08053