Edward Paul O'Connell

Edward Paul O’Connell, age 90, of the Town of Lee, passed away peacefully, September 26, 2016, at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Facility, with his loving family at his side. He was born June 22, 1926, in Binghamton, NY, a son of the late Edward J. and Kathryn Hannigan O’Connell. He graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1944 and graduated from Utica College in 1958 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Ed was united in marriage to the former Marguerite L. Laumeister, on April 28, 1951, in Our Lady of the Rosary Church. He worked as a research physicist at Rome Labs, retiring in 1987. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during WW II, and served in both the European and Pacific theaters. Ed was an avid hunter and true outdoorsman. He was a founding member and life member of the Steuben Fish & Game Club, a member of the NYS Outdoors Hall of Fame, Oneida County Federation of Sportsman. He was very proud of his Governor’s appointment to the NYS Fish & Wildlife Management Board, where he served as the Sportsman Representative for 8 years. He also served as gun safety instructor, and as an instructor at the Oneida County Conservation Days. Ed also found time and enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events over the years. Ed is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marguerite; a daughter and son in law, Kathryn and Scott Willis of Camillus; three sons and daughters in law, Michael and Jill O’Connell of Camillus, Kevin and Kay O’Connell of Conifer, CO, and Daniel and Jody O’Connell of Rome; grandchildren, Meghan and Matt O’Connell, Lauren Ferchau, Christopher and Aimee O’Connell and Jaden Willis; and two great grandchildren, Derek and Zac Ferchau. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 AM from the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, Lee Center. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Thursday 4 to 7 PM.