Daniel P. O'Connell

 Daniel P. O'Connell, 79, of Dexter, New York, passed away on July 31, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County. 

Born on April 15, 1945, in Watertown, New York, he was the son of Daniel D. and Bernetta I. (Flavin)  O'Connell. Daniel graduated from Watertown High School in 1963 and then attended Jefferson Community College. He served in the Army Reserves for six years. His varied career included roles as a head lifeguard at North Junior Pool, an insurance salesman at Metropolitan, and Dyna Power Sales at New York Airbrake. Daniel found his true calling as a train engineer, dedicating 35 years to Penn Central, Conrail, and CSX. 

On June 11, 1966, Daniel married Kathryn Devine at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. Daniel was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and golfing. He enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, playing cards with family, listening to music, playing computer games, and cherishing time with loved ones. A dedicated community member, Daniel was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church and served as a village trustee for Dexter for 12 years. He was also a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Knights of Columbus. 

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn J. O’Connell; his seven children: Colleen (DJ) Ellingsworth of Pillar Point, NY; Daniel (Lynn) O’Connell of Methuen, Massachusetts; Thomas (Kathleen) O’Connell of St. John’s, Florida; Kathleen (Jason) McManaman of Pillar Point, NY; Michael (Karen) O’Connell of Marlborough, Massachusetts; Patrick (Janice) O’Connell of Dexter, NY; and Meghan O’Connell of Dexter, NY; 18 grandchildren: Rachel, Thomas, Dylan, Hannah, Daniel, Matthew, Jillian, Kailin, Ryan, Vladimir, Brooke, Gavin, Nina, Brady, Cora, Alice, Airabella, and Elizabeth; three step-grandchildren: Ella, Charlotte, and Calvin; and two great-grandchildren: Penelope and Finley. Daniel is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sarah O’Connell of Glen Park, NY; and his wife’s siblings: Tim (Sharon) Devine of Dexter, NY; Peg (Deno) DeBacco of The Villages, Florida; Dan (Ginny) Devine of Dexter, NY; Mike (Sue) Devine of Dexter, NY; Jack (Charlene) Devine of Pillar Point; and Tina (Mike) Jacobs of Morrisville, NY;  and by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins

He is predeceased by his parents, Daniel D. and Bernetta O’Connell; a brother, Richard O’Connell; his in-laws, Bill and Alice Devine; and a granddaughter, Polina O’Connell.  

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter. Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 5th, from 11 a.m. until noon at Immaculate Conception Church. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow at Noon, with burial in the Dexter Cemetery to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Immaculate Conception Church. Online condolences may be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.

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