Richard O’Connell

Richard K. O’Connell, Sr., 81, of Manahawkin/Beach Haven West, formerly of Roseland, passed away suddenly on September 2, 2025.

Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068, shookfarmer.com. A funeral Mass will be offered Monday at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Roseland, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

Richard was born and raised in East Orange. He graduated from Clifford J. Scott High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force, stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York. It was there that he met the love of his life, Constance (Grossi). On the day after his discharge, they were married and began their lifelong journey together.

Following his honorable service, Richard worked as a bus driver with DeCamp Bus Lines in Montclair for 40 years. Known for his steady presence and kind spirit, he always took pride in his work and enjoyed the people he met along the way.

A man who could fix anything, Richard dedicated himself to helping others. He was a proud life member of the Roseland Volunteer Fire Department for 26 years where he made lifelong friendships and an was an active member of the Italian American Club in Manahawkin/West Creek. With a spirit of travel, he and his wife Connie enjoyed journeys to Ireland, where he celebrated his Irish heritage, as well as Italy, Paris, and winters spent in Florida, where he shared many happy times with his cousin, Jeff O’Connell, who was like a brother to him.

In his leisure time, Richard found joy in trains, especially American Flyer and Lionel models, boating and riding his jet ski, chatting with his neighbors, and getting together with his large circle of friends, and was also a devoted member of a train club in Bayville. He and Connie spent many happy times together over the last 59 years. Above all, he was a true patriot, proud of his service to his country, his community, and his family. Being a dad and a grandfather of 4 was his ultimate pride and joy.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Connie (Grossi); his cherished children, Richard K. O’Connell, Jr. and his wife, Jennifer, and Renee Reynolds and her husband, Patrick John; his treasured grandchildren, Gwyneth and Phoebe O’Connell, and Kate and Brendan Reynolds; and his brother, Robert E. O’Connell, Jr. In addition, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Joe Grossi, and sister-in-law’s Rose D’Ambrosio , Patty Grossi, and Anna Grossi. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Martha (Peacock) and Robert E. O’Connell Sr. and brother-in-law’s Bobby Grossi and Joe D’Ambrosio.

He is also survived by many extended relatives of the Peacock and Grossi families and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Roseland Volunteer Fire Department or Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital in Browns Mills.