Edward John O’Connell
MISSION, Texas — Edward John O’Connell, 98, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, in Mission, Texas.
Ed was born in Escanaba, Mich. on August 19, 1926, the son of the late William and Anne (Kahl) O’Connell.
After attending Escanaba High School, Ed enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Albert T. Harris through the end of World War II. His time in the military included travel to Japan, Hong Kong, China, Philippines, and the South Pacific.
After his discharge from the Navy, Ed married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Treiber, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Escanaba on October 4, 1947. Together, they lovingly raised six children: Kay (Tom) Pinar, Gale (Bill) Smith, Jeffrey (Sidney) O’Connell, Sally (Peter) Kelley, Sharon (Cal) Navalta, and Suzanne (John) Coyne in a home that Ed, himself, built in Wells, Mich.
Handy throughout his life, Ed also built a cabin in Maywood Shores on Lake Michigan in the early 1960s, and their home on Portage Point in 1982.
Ed worked for his father-in-law, Kibby Treiber, at the Treiber & Treiber (T&T) Hardware store in downtown Escanaba for many years before buying the business from him in 1966. Ed ran the business successfully until 1978, at which time he sold it to his nephew Kelly O’Connell and officially retired.
In retirement, Ed traveled with Mary across the country in their motorhome, visiting 48 of the 50 United States before settling in Mission, Texas, where he enjoyed playing golf and spending time with their large circle of close friends.
Ed was a devoted, loving grandfather to Dan, Kathleen, Penny, Christy, Tim, Jeff, Sarah, Dean, Andy, John Jones, Dalton, Jackie, Shannon, Jon, and Hope and great-grandfather to their 18 children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bill, George, and Harold “Spike” O’Connell, his sisters Anne Fisher and Marilyn Gustafson, his daughter Sally, and his wife of 72 years, Mary.
He will be remembered by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other beloved family members and friends, all of whom find peace in knowing that God has reunited Ed with Mary and Sally in Heaven.