F. O’Connell

10/27/1918 – 12/13/2010
Dan O’Connell, age 92 of Bellingham, enduring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was peacefully called home to be with our Lord on December 13, 2010 after a long and abundant life.  He is survived by his children Kathleen (Mike) Nesser of Reno, NV, Mike (Bonnie) O’Connell of Eugene, OR, Greg (Cathi) O’Connell, Larry (Nena) O’Connell, and Tim (Susy) O’Connell, all of Bellingham.  He also leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and his beloved canine, Maggie.  Dan is reunited with his wife of 69 years, Lucille, and daughter George-Anne who preceded him in death.
Dan was born in San Diego, CA to James Aloysius and Margaret Elizabeth (Hengehold) O’Connell.  His grandfather, William O’Connell immigrated to Worcester, MA from Tralee, Ireland.  Dan was raised on a turkey farm with two older brothers.  That was the foundation for the pride exhibited in all his work and commitment to ethics.  After graduating from high school he proceeded to work at Douglas Aircraft.  He met his wife in San Diego and they married in 1941, both being mistaken for movie stars.  After the birth of their first daughter, Kathleen, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and trained to become a B-17 Navigator (452nd Bomb Group).  Dan flew in combat during WWII and was extremely proud of defending his country and the bonds he established with his crew and supporting forces.  He was honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant yet he continued to live that experience by modestly sharing the laudable exploits with both family and friends.  He was a life long fan of the WSU Cougars.
After the war they briefly resided in San Diego before relocating to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where he joined his older brother, James and his family.  Dan initially was self-employed by successfully opening a bike/hobby shop, then worked as a heavy-equipment operator, both which complemented his naturally gifted mechanical abilities.  Dan eventually worked his way into finance management while building a remarkable home for his growing family.  The family lived in Coeur d’Alene until 1962 when they relocated to Bellingham to advance his career.  He retired from his position as Assistant Vice President of Northwestern Commercial Bank in 1983.
Dan truly enjoyed singing and was a member of a quartet in both Coeur d’Alene and Bellingham.  Separate from the quartet he would meet with others for dinner which often led to harmonizing among themselves and to patrons at the Bob’s in Lynden.
Dan touched those who knew him with the qualities we all aspire; to his family, he possessed a distinct wisdom, providing guidance while being respected, loyal, fair, generous, supportive and dedicated in his fatherly tasks – all with unconditional love.  His family is a living recipient of “the luck of the Irish” as their lives are all strongly influenced by his esteemed attributes.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 19th at 3 PM, followed by a 5 PM Vigil Service at Westford Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 20 at 10:30 AM at Church of the Assumption, followed by a lunch reception in the gym.  Committal with full military honors will follow at Bayview City Cemetery.