John D. O'Connell

John Daniel O’Connell, of Worcester and Osterville, died peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the age of 92 after an illness. The son of William J. and Rose (Finn) O’Connell, John was born on December 19, 1931 and lived in Worcester all of his life.  John is survived by his beloved daughter Monica R. O’Connell-Edwards and her husband C. Ross Edwards of Worcester. He also leaves his five nephews, one niece and four cousins.   

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Ann (Collins) O’Connell, the love of his life, after 35 years of marriage; and his two sisters Mary C. Braley of San Antonio, Texas and Rosalie M. Martin of London, England.

John attended Downing Street School, New Woodland Preparatory School, and South High School, all in Worcester, and went on to the College of the Holy Cross in 1949, graduating “summa cum laude” in 1953 the day before the terrible Worcester Tornado. He did graduate work at Boston University, receiving a Master of Business Administration degree, after which he taught Accounting and Finance courses at Boston University for two years. In 1955, he began a long career in education at Holy Cross teaching until 2009, 54 years of teaching. He retired as Associate professor in 2009.  He was also a professor at Clark University.  The Holy Cross alumni created a scholarship prize to honor John’s longstanding service to the college. The prize is awarded annually to an outstanding junior accounting major who continues the traditions associated with John’s pursuit of academic excellence.

John was a Certified Public Accountant in Massachusetts for over 55 years, specializing in income taxes and corporation finance. JD was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu and Delta Epsilon Sigma. JD was a member of many other organizations including head of the Blessed Sacrament Parish Council, advisor to the Adopt-A-Student program, and worked with the Guild of Our Lady of Providence.

John was a devoted Catholic and grateful for a long and healthy life. He will be celebrated in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602.