Joseph Edward O'Connell

Joseph Giblin O'Connell aka Joseph Edward O'Connell, former GTE executive, and longtime Southern California resident, passed away, Thursday August 13, 2015 at his home in La Habra, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Judge Joseph E. O'Connell and Angela Giblin O'Connell and his sister Mary O'Connell O'Malley. Mr. O'Connell is survived by his longtime companion Rosalie Pizula, his four children, John Kenneth O'Connell of Fountain Valley, CA, Joan Lineberger of Ventura, CA, Joseph Keven O'Connell of Avondale AZ, and Lindsey Marie Fuller of Philadelphia, PA, as well as his seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Mr. O'Connell was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High School class of '49, Joliet Junior College, and received his B.A. in management from the University of Redlands. He honorably served our country in the United States Army and was discharged as a corporal in 1956. Mr. O'Connell was a 34 year veteran of GTE Corp, and was on the teaching staff of Long Beach City College for 10 years. He was a recognized force in Long Beach, CA for his countless years of philanthropy and volunteer efforts for his fellow man. He served as the President of the Long Beach Port Ambassadors, Vice Chair of Pacific Hospital of Long Beach, Board Member of The American Red Cross, VP of Operations, Board of Directors at Goodwill Industries, Life member of AMVETS of Santa Barbara, Member of The Knights of Columbus, 22 year member of Kiwanis, and Elks Organizations, President of Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of GTE Credit Union, Board Member of The Boy Scouts of America, Chairperson of GTE United Way, Santa Monica Navy League, Member of The International Board of Achievement Cal State Long Beach, and a proud Son of the American Revolution. The service will be Monday August 24th at 11:00am, held at St John's Catholic Church located at 404 N Hickory St, Joliet, IL 60435. Followed by burial at Mt Olivet Cemetery 1320 E Cass St, Joliet, IL 60432. Request memorials to St. Jude Catholic School, 2204 McDonough St, Joliet, IL 60436, 815-729-0288, http://www.stjudejoliet.net.