To the family.
Joey and I meet at Portland High School.
We played football together both undesired players!
Joey played right conerback and I played left conerback. 
The year was 1965 and we won both the Battle of the Bridge against So. Portland and the Turkey Day game against Deering.
When Joey transferred to Orono after his first year at POGO I recruited him to join Sigma Chi fraternity. 
Although we were not close post our college years I will remember our high school years at PHS, our time as teams on the PHS  football team and  our years as Sigma Chi fraternity brothers. 
May his memory be a blessing to us all.

Coach O'Connell taught more about defensive basketball than anyone else.  A great educator for many many sports.  Coach was tasked to meld players from Jack, King and now Lyman Moore.  Coach pulled it off because he coached us as a team and never pitted one school against the other.  Joey O had a great sense of humor that surfaced at the right times.  A competitor by nature, Coach knew how to balance pushing us to our limits that could vary day to day.  Frustrating for Coach, life lessons for us.

By not going to college right out of high school I got to play with Joey, Fang, Slimmy, Don, Manoogian and Dennis in the SP League.  Joey gave up 10 years to the other teams best players, but Joey would shut them down regardless.  When we beat Cape Cleaners somehow in the finals one year, the best celebration after at Griffin Club followed.  Dave LeVasseur and Jack Coyne had the game and joined us.  With Slimmy ordering long necks by the case, Manoogian and I sat in awe as they told their stories growing up and life's adventures.  To play with the coach I respected so much was a moment I have never forgotten.  I often wish he had stayed my coach for all three years.  My condolences to Coach O'Connell's family and friends.  Joey was a game changer beyond sports, in life he was even better.  A charter member of Bulldog Nation.  Thank you.

So sorry for the sadness of those he left on this earth, but we were all so lucky to have him in our lives. Such a sweet and kind man, full of life and laughter. He enjoyed teaching his students, his coaching, and of course playing sports. You will be missed Joey and we’re so loved by all !!

Joe may have been small in stature, but more importantly, he was an enthusiastic giant in all that he did: a fierce competitor, a thorough and respected coach, an "all-in "reading instructor who turned  non-readers into competent students, and above all, a true and loyal friend and colleague at Portland High School. Truly, our world needs many more Joey O'Connells. You were a good, good man, Joe.

"Mr. O" was my softball coach when I pitched for him at PHS my freshman year in 1986/87. He helped and supported me tremendously in my 4 years there and taught me so much. He remains to this day my favorite and most influential coach. But he was also a really kind, helpful, passionate, and patient human being. The word needs more Joey O'Connell's in it, and I feel so fortunate he was in mine for even a few short years. 

My deepest condolences to his family on this immense loss.

Joe O’Connell was clearly an extraordinary educator whose passionate commitment to early reading interventions left an enduring legacy on countless students.  His dynamic approach, contagious energy, and focus on foundational literacy skills provided vital support that paved the way for students to succeed and graduate high school.
RIP

I remember Joey for his absolute friendliness, positive attitude,  kindness to others, and of course hustle in every sport he played. His life is an inspiration to us all.

Prayers !!!!!!!!          Remembering The Smile

Oh man !

Joey was the assistant coach of our second years team when we won the 1989 World Series softball championship  team !!!!

A great coach and man!!

Rest in peace Coach ! 

❤️

Bravo, Joey. Great life and always grinding away for us at the very top of the lineup. May the wind lift your wings. 🙏🫶

Great teacher, coach and athlete.  Portland High School has lost a truly great “BULLDOG”  RIP

OBITUARY

Joseph S. O'Connell Jr.

January 4, 1947 – July 28, 2026

Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home

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