Edward Michael O'Connell passed away peacefully on May 14, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born on July 22, 1942 in Bridgeport, CT.

Edward graduated from Stratford High School in 1960 where he excelled at sports. He was the captain of the Football, Baseball and Swim Teams.  He also was on the track team and won awards for the javelin throw.  He was offered a scholarship to Brown University for football but decided to join the Army and then the Navy Reserves.  He married his middle school sweetheart Barbara and raised a family in Shelton Connecticut.  He enjoyed a lifelong career as a member of the Connecticut Pipefitters Union.  He loved his work and he loved his country.

Edward wore his heart on his sleeve and touched everyone that he encountered.  He would help anyone with anything at a moment's notice.  He loved his two children but adored his grand kids.  Even though he lived a state away from them he barely missed any of his five grandchildren's sports events or acknowledgements.  He was the life of every party and honestly was never in a bad mood.  He will be sorely missed by so many.

Edward was predeceased by his parents John and Dorothy O'Connell and his sister Dorothy Ann.  He is survived by his siblings Eleanor, Jack, James, his wife Pat, his daughter, Deborah Leone of Ashland, MA and her husband Robert, son Daniel O'Connell of Marlborough, MA and his five grandchildren, Natalie Leone, Samantha Leone, Melissa Leone, Jack O'Connell and Kyle O'Connell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday May 22, 2024 at 9:30 am at St James Church in Stratford, CT.  Military Honors and burial will be rendered following the Mass at the St Michaels Cemetery, Stratford, CT.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Adzima Funeral Home, Stratford, CT. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Tunnels to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org.

Please see link below for Barbara O'Connell's Obituary. https://www.collinsfuneral.com/obituary/Barbara-OConnell