Daniel John O'Connell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel John O’Connell who passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, surrounded by his family. Dan was born on July 18, 1931, at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey to William and Dorothea O’Connell, one of four siblings. Dan was married for 64 years and is survived by his loving wife, Aline. He was a devoted father to his children Siobhan, Colman, Caitlin and Dan and a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, Brendan, Daniel, Christine, Sean, Connor, Emily and Austin, who adoringly called him Grandfather.

Dan was known for helping others, beginning in his teens, when he raised chickens to sell eggs to his neighbors during WWII. He was the “keeper of the ram” at his alma mater, Fordham University. He was a quiet orator that captivated his audience, whether in charades or in front of a crowd. He was a renaissance man with a passion for opera, the sciences and the classics. Shortly after meeting his wife, Dan enchanted her in a note with the line, “he was like Odysseus tied to the mast.” He relished etymology and astounded all with his extensive vocabulary. His wry grin and jaunty turns of phrase delighted everyone in his company. His enthusiasm for nature was contagious. Dan always sought ways to broaden his children’s experience of the world. His faith was very important to him. Most of all, he loved spending time with family.

Dan’s life-long pursuit of knowledge began at Maywood Avenue Public School in Maywood, New Jersey. He graduated from Bogota High School in 1949, after which he received a BA in Russian Studies from Fordham University in 1953. Fluent in four languages, Dan was a First Lieutenant in the Air Force as a Russian Language Interpreter. He graduated from Cornell University Medical School in 1961 and did his residency in Psychiatry at New York Hospital. Dan was a psychiatrist for 44 years and was the Chief of Psychiatry at Overlook Hospital, in Summit, NJ, for 20 Years. During this time, he lived in Wyckoff, NJ, where he served as the town’s Mayor for two terms, in addition to being the Fire Commissioner. He was instrumental in establishing a clinic for mental health services for the underserved in Paterson, NJ, inspired by his early work with the American Association of Indian `Affairs. A highlight in his career was his participation in the Harvard-Cornell, “Sterling County Study,” in Nova Scotia, Canada, which aimed to understand the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders.

Later in his career, he moved to Washington, DC where he served as a staff psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente. Dan retired to Spartanburg, South Carolina, before returning to his childhood summer home on Culver Lake in Branchville, New Jersey to spend his final years closer to family. If he had one flaw, to quote Gandolf, in The Lord of the Rings, it was that “he arrived precisely when he meant to.” He was a cherished gentleman. His wisdom, mischievous brow and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church, 209 US-206, Branchville, NJ 07826. A repast will take place following the Mass Culver Lake Clubhouse, 132 E Shore Culver Rd, Branchville, NJ 07826.