Dennis O'Connell Obituary

AIKEN, S.C. - A Requiem Mass for Mr. Dennis J. O'Connell will be celebrated at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church on Friday, March 16, 2012, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 - 10:30 AM Friday, at George Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801. Mr. O'Connell died at Aiken Regional Medical Center as a result of liver failure at the age of 61. The son of the late Dennis and Evelyn Galloway O'Connell, Mr. O'Connell was a devoted son and brother, and constant friend. During his life, he pursued vocations as a priest, lawyer, and musician. The common thread running through his varied careers was a desire to serve others and make the world a more just, compassionate place. He touched many people's lives through his practical efforts on their behalf, his love of a good conversation, and his tremendous talent as an organist. Mr. O'Connell is survived by his brother, Sean P. O'Connell of New Haven, CT. He will live in his heart always. May this gentle soul with a strong will and generous nature always be held in the palm of God's hand. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association at: PO Box, 11454, Alexandria, Virginia, 22312. Expressions of sympathy for the O'Connell family may be left at www.georgefuneralhome.com

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Published by The Augusta Chronicle on Mar. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis O'Connell

12 Entries

Jeanne Macisco

March 9, 2024

You may be gone from this earth dear friend...... but not forgotten

Jeanne Macisco

March 9, 2023

Still think of you so very often Dennis!

Jeanne Macisco

March 9, 2022

Still miss you. Still think of you often. You are not forgotten but rather remembered with love always.

Jeanne Macisco

March 9, 2021

Still miss you after all these years. You will never be forgotten.

Elizabeth H. Ricci

January 21, 2021

Dear Sean O'Connell, brother of Dennis.
We will always remember your brother as Fr. Dennis O'Connell.
My sons Dominic and Vincent, were altar servers during his time at St. Edward the Confessor RC Church.
As a family we appreciated his role at priest at our parish.
At that time there were 3 priests in our parish, we had dubbed Fr. Dennis O'Connell the Holy Spirit and the other two priests were the Father, Son and Dennis, the Holy Spirit. His homilies always inspired those who heard the Word of God through him.
We were sad when he was no longer with us. However, It was a different time to be a priest.

Those we love can never be more than a thought away...
for as long as there is a memory
they live in our hearts to stay.
Those we love can never be more than a thought away...
for as long as there is a memory
they live in our hearts to stay.

Love, Peace and eventual joy
Elizabeth H. Ricci

Jeanne Macisco

March 9, 2020

Still in my heart. On this anniversary of the day you went to heaven ....Remembering you with love

Jeanne Macisco

March 9, 2019

Still think about my friend, Denny. Still miss our chats and laughs. He will always be remembered with love.

Anthony Detje

January 31, 2013

Dear Sean,
I had the pleasure of serving with Dennis at St.Edward Parish, New Fairfield. Dennis was a caring and compassionate priest, and a good friend. When my wife had a hysterectomy due to cancer and was very depressed, Dennis visited her every night in the hospital and would chat with her to all hours. I am a better person for having known Dennis, and was very saddened when he left the Diocese of Bridgeport. I will always remember him. Deacon Tony Detje, Danbury, CT

January 30, 2013

Dear Sean,
There was a note in Christmas letter from former parishioners in Fairfield that I've just got to reading that included a brief reference to how sorry they were to learn about Dennis. (Nothing more) I googled and found the obit.
I met Dennis briefly in seminary but only came to know him after being assigned to St Thomas Aquinas in Fairfield with Frank and Dennis. I was there for 3 years and we kept in touch for a time afterward, but as one moves about ties loosen.
Among the many memories is that of serving as paginator when Dennis played for an ordination--I was awed that he could actually translate the multitude of notes on the sheet nito actual organ music. He was gifted thta way. Also with people--he was helpful to a great # of people who came to him for counseling.
Dennis made my own transition from seminary to parish ministry much, much easier. I learned a lot from him and valued his friendship.
Charles J.T. Talar

Barbara Holms

September 18, 2012

Dear Sean,
Dennis was a gentle, Loving soul who always thought of others first. He was a dear friend to me and to my family. There are many memories that come flooding back into my mind. He baptized Adam, He was Christophers sponsor for Confirmation and he supported Matthew's vocation. He was always there for Mike and I and we will miss him.

Barbara and Michael Holms

July 8, 2012

Sean--this is Jeanne - retired form St Thomas Aquinas - Fairfield. I have been trying to reach Denny and out of the blue tried the obits and found this.. I am so truly sorry. I loved Dennis so very much..and I always will. Please know that he was loved so very much by many people....and I will always treasure him as a true and wonderful friend.

Pamela Donovan Hawkins

March 15, 2012

Dear Sean, my deepest sympathies to you; I was one of Dennis' classmates at St. Mary's. He was a "gentle soul" as you described him, but I do remember him as a joker and someone who loved fun. One of my favorite memories is of Dennis chasing the girls in 2nd grade and trying to kiss us. Ironically, he is our only classmate who became a priest. What a neat guy who will indeed be held "in the palm of god's hand." God bless you,

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