Obituary of Edmund Patrick O'Connell

WEST SAND LAKE- Edmund Patrick O’Connell, the son of the late Edmund P. and Helen M. (Prediletto) O’Connell, died Monday, March 29, 2021 after a long illness. He was 80 years old. Born in Troy, NY, Ed (Eddie as he is known to family and friends) resided in Watervliet and attended grammar school at St. Bridget’s School where he met his future wife while still in the first grade. He is a graduate of Watervliet High School class of 1958 and New Hampshire Business College in 1976. Ed and his childhood sweetheart, MaryAnne Benoit, dated all through high school and married on December 19, 1959 in St. Bridget’s Church, Watervliet. Shortly afterwards, the young couple moved to Florida where Ed was stationed to begin sea duty as part of his career in the Navy. Ed made the Navy his career for 20 years before retiring in 1978 as Chief Petty Officer. He proudly served onboard the aircraft carrier Roosevelt, as an aviation structural mechanic specializing in hydraulics during the Vietnam War. He was proud to continue utilizing his expertise in hydraulics elsewhere on naval bases from Maine to Florida. Later in his military career he served as an instructor for the SERE (survival, evasion, resistance, escape) Program in Maine. It was a demanding program that taught military personnel how to survive off the land and avoid capture should they find themselves stranded in enemy territory. Ed began a second career as an appliance repairman for Sears where he worked for 17 years before retiring completely. He enjoyed mixed league bowling with his wife, a competitive game of darts (he would always win!) golfing with his friends, RVing in Lake George in the summer and South Carolina and Florida in winter, and family dinners with good wine and Italian food. He leaves his wife of 61 years, MaryAnne; daughter, Kelly Ann Grimaldi (Gary) of Wynantskill and son, Daniel Edmund O’Connell (Lisa) of York, South Carolina, four grandchildren, Kendra, Karli, Carson and Adelle, brother Richard (the late Sherrlyn), sister Sharon (Gil) Boucher, his best friend Richard (Bud) Disney, and many nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by his brother, Arthur. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the kind and professional care given to him by the staff of Evergreen Commons, East Greenbush. During the pandemic, no visitors were allowed in the facility. Nursing home staff and Hospice caregivers compassionately served as his family until his wife could finally be with him in his last days. She held his hand in his final hours until he peacefully passed away. We know he waited for her to be by his side just as she has always been since they were children. A memorial service is planned for a later date. Please consider giving a donation in memory of Edmund O’Connell to Rensselaer County Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144. Arrangements are with Simple Choices, Inc. To leave a special message for the family, please visit: SimpleChoicesCremation.com