John Father O'Connell

The Reverend Father John O'Connell, 68 of Taylorville died at 5:08 pm Thursday, July 11, 2002 in Springfield, IL

He was born July 30, 1933 in Litchfield, IL, the son of Patrick B. and Grace Sakach O'Connell. Fr. John was ordained into the priesthood on May 23, 1959. During his priesthood he had been assigned to the Springfield Diocese, but had also served as a missionary for several years to South America.

Surviving are two brothers, Richard O'Connell of Quincy, IL and James O'Connell of Naperville, IL. One sister Mary Mizera of Camus, WA and several nieces and nephews also survive.

A concelebrated funeral mass was held on Monday, July 15, 2002 at SS Simon & Jude Catholic Church in Gillespie, IL with the Most Reverend George Lucas, Bishop of Springfield in Illinois officiating. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery in Gillespie.

A memorial Mass will be held at 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 17, 2002 in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Taylorville with Fr. Alan Hunter officiating.

Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie was in charge of arrangements and McClure Funeral Home, Taylorville in charge of local arrangements.