Brother Patrick J. O'Connell, s.P.

Brother Patrick J. O'Connell, s.P.  passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 12th at High Point Hospice House in Haverhill after a brief illness. He was 71 years old.

Patrick was born in Lawrence on April 8,1950 to the late Daniel Sr. and Irma (Dumont) O'Connell.

He was raised and educated in Methuen and lived in the family home, built in 1955 by his mother and father, until the time of his passing.

Prior to his retirement, Patrick was employed for 38 years by the ABC Bus Co and later for NRT Bus, Inc. transporting special needs children. Being part of their lives and helping them navigate their many challenges was an inspiration to Patrick and brought him immense joy and reward. He had a real bond with "his kids".

Patrick had a love for travel which often took him to his favorite destinations throughout the Southwest and New England, especially New Mexico, California, and the mountains of Vermont in the Fall. Among his many interests, Patrick enjoyed nature, the outdoors, and flower gardening. His massive blooms, window boxes and hanging baskets during the summer months and fresh pine garlands, wreaths, and hand made red velvet ribbons adorning his home during the Christmas season were so festive and beautiful to see.

Above all else, Patrick was a man of strong, unwavering Catholic faith.  Before his passing Patrick received his wish to be ordained into the Holy Servants of the Paraclete congregation. He was an active and vibrant parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Methuen where he devoted himself to supporting the church and its' community and established countless special friendships along the way.

Patrick is survived by his brother, Terrence D. O'Connell and his wife Mary Louise, as well as nephews, a niece, and three great nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased in death by his two older brothers, Frank and Daniel Jr.

Friends are welcomed to visit from 4-6 PM and stay for a Mass of Christian burial to be held directly after visitation on Wednesday, March 16th at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 22 Plymouth St., Methuen.

Burial will be private at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in Patrick's honor. 

Patrick would want all who knew him to have deep faith and courage in life especially during the most difficult times. In his memory, reach out to those you love and be kind to one another.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many physicians, nurses, and staff members alike at Holy Family Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and High Pointe Hospice House for the extraordinary care and dignity they provided to Patrick throughout his final journey.