Tremblay, NB - John Patrick O’Connell left us quietly and unexpectedly on Christmas Day. Having completed his gift wrapping he took a nap and fulfilled his wish to be able to leave this world from his beloved homestead along the Nigadoo River. John is survived by his wife and best friend of 57 years, Genie (Genevieve Luerssen), his children Colleen (Jeff Campbell), Sean (Shanna Frenette), Tim (Layna), Genevieve MacDonald (Robert) and grandchildren Terryn MacDonald, Samuel Campbell, Venel Campbell, Sean MacDonald, Jack and Eddie O’Connell, and special brother-in-law Tom Luerssen.
John attended St. Thomas College in Miramichi, was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and received his electrical engineering degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia, where he played varsity basketball and met New Yorker Genie who was studying at Mount Saint Vincent University. The newlyweds began their family in Montreal, where John’s long career with GE Canada began. In 1976 he moved his young family to Bathurst and assumed management of the GE’s Eastern office and forged lasting friendships with his many neighbors and coworkers.
His dream of returning to the O’Connell property was realized two years later, where he built the home he left us in. Through 45 years he indulged many pets including our goat, Nipper. We built forts in the woods, fished in the river, and mowed hay. Family dinners were debates and math quizzes, conversations laced with sharp wit and curiosity. He succeeded in raising strong children who were never afraid to speak their minds or explore the world. His greatest passion was his kids, then his grandkids, never missing a sporting event either in person or by live streaming with his tablet always in hand.
John loved the forest, knew each tree particularly his Birds Eye Maples. He instigated the “men’s dishwashing brigade” assisting in the church’s events team. Proudly he worked to help bring the Bathurst Celtic Cross to fruition, paying homage to his Irish ancestry. A long-standing member of the Gowan Brae golf club, he enjoyed the comradery – and meals – of men’s night. A skilled craftsman, we all own at least one piece of furniture or watercolor that he created, and we all looked forward to his maple syrup made the hard way.
John was predeceased by his parents, Granville O’Connell and Florida Fournier and four brothers Earl, Aloysius, Orville, and Guy. He is further survived by his big brother Daniel (Camilla), big sister Brigit Sullivan (Doug) and little sister Mary Ellen Pollack (Barry), and many cousins, nieces, and a nephew.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 on Monday, January 1st, 2024, from Elhatton’s Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at 11a.m. on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024, from Holy Family church.
Donations in memory of John may be made to the Bathurst Volunteer Center or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst (www.elhatton.com).
