Father O'Connell died, May 6

Fr. Joseph T. O'Connell, SOLT, died on May 6 at age 80. He was born on Oct. 21, 1929 in East Haven, Connecticut to Timothy Daniel O'Connell and Margaret Kovanaugh O'Connell.

Fr. Joseph received his bachelor degree in education from St. Michael's College in 1952 and also received his post graduate degree in 1990 from the Holy Apostle Seminary College.

He was ordained a priest on Jan. 12, 1991 through the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity.

Fr. Joseph was then assigned to St. Anthony Church as Parochial Vicar in 1991, until becoming pastor at St. John Nepomucene Church on Feb. 1, 1994.

He was then appointed on Feb. 23, 1998 as Chaplin at Spohn Memorial Hospital. Fr. Joseph was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a third order Dominican, and was very active with Albert Huerta at "My Father's House."

He goes home to reunite with his parents, Timothy Daniel O'Connell and Margaret Kovanaugh O'Connell; and his sister, Margaret Mary O'Connell who preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving daughter, Patricia Ann "Patty" O'Connell of Connecticut and all of his extended family which includes all of his brother priests, deacons, laymen and all members of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity.

The funeral Mass was celebrated on May 10 at St. John Nepomucene Church and buried in St. Anthony's Cemetery in Robstown.