Daniel Emmett O'Connell

Daniel O'Connell, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2013. He was born August 4, 1939 to Ouida Adline Couillard and Joseph Philip O'Connell in Gardner, Massachusetts. He is survived by his loving wife Pauline Tamborello O'Connell, son Sean Michael O'Connell, daughter Shannon O'Connell Berquist, son-in- law Richard Berquist, brother Paul O'Connell, sister Maureen O'Connell Nelson, husband Kim Nelson and grandchildren Stowe Berquist and Trevor Berquist. Preceded in death by parents, brother Phillip O'Connell and son, Patrick Joseph O'Connell.

He graduated from Garner High School in Gardner Massachusetts in 1957. While there he organized a trip for his high school band to visit Trinidad via a two week cruise which all his fellowed bandmates loved.

After graduation he moved to Florida to attend Stetson University. He attended South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas when it was located in the basement of the YMCA. He graduated with a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1965. Judge Arthur Moller appointed Daniel to his first bankruptcy case where he earned $12.58. Judge Moller was so impressed with his work that he appointed him more cases and took the time to teach him Bankruptcy Law. Daniel was later appointed United State Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee for the Southern District of Texas. His son Patrick worked in his office.

Daniel got his love of traveling from his parents who owned O'Connell Travel Agency in St Petersburg, Florida. In college he led many tour groups all throughout the Caribbean, South and Central America and Europe. He brought that love of traveling to his family and took them all around the world to see places he visit when he was a guide and also Great Wall of China, St Peter's in Rome, Russia and Alaska.

Daniel loved the ocean and bought a house on Galveston Bay, enjoyed waking up to a view of the water every morning. Daniel and Pauline loved entertaining at their home on the bay where it became a hub for many family gatherings. Crab and shrimp was always served, that he jokingly claimed he caught himself. He enjoyed sailing his sunfish and boat the O'Sea. He was an avid member of the Houston Yacht Club and member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2013 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 9, 2013 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam St., Houston, TX 77002. Rite of Committal will follow at Glenwood Cemetery.