Donald F. O’Connell, 95, of Walton, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023 at Delaware Valley Hospital, Walton.
Doc, as he was affectionately known, was born in Long Island City, the son of the late Walter and Loretta O’Connell. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy when he enlisted at the age of 17. He recently received a medal for recognition (Aug. 7, 2023) of directly participating in the detonation of an atomic weapon at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands during World War II. He loved to wear his World War II veteran hat.
He married his wife, Maureen (Ammann) in 1950. They were married for 73 years.
He had a love of animals and took in countless stray cats. He found so much joy in spoiling each and every one of them. They all had a special place in his heart. He loved sitting on his front porch and observing the birds and squirrels, a favorite pastime he looked forward to each spring.
Doc started his teaching career on Long Island where he taught elementary school and worked at Longwood High School. He was a history teacher at Walton Central School from 1970-1990. He started the ski club, coached girls softball, JV baseball, and was the announcer at football games for many years. In addition, he coached a town league baseball team for many seasons and was a driver education teacher and golf instructor.
He was also a member of St. John’s the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, American Legion Truman C. Tobey Post #32, VFW, Lions Club, and he was on the Walton Zoning Board of Appeals.
He loved living in Walton and was proud to claim that he lived in the heart of the Catskill Mountains for 50 years.
Doc is survived by his wife Maureen, two children, Donald Jr. (Judy) and Donna Sabbia (Rick), three grandchildren, Christopher Sabbia (Taryn), Shannon Sabbia Race (TJ), Melissa Sabbia Wolfe (Jake), six great-grandchildren Aidan Race, Mya Race, Carter Wolfe, Sophia Wolfe, Aubrey Sabbia and Ava Sabbia. He loved having family gatherings and looked forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas every year.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Eileen, and brother Walt.
At his request there will be no viewing. He wanted to be remembered as having a full life with happy memories.
A memorial mass with military honors will be held at St. John’s the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 25 Benton Avenue, Walton, Saturday, Sept. 2, at 11 a.m.
The family is in the care of Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.
Memorial contributions in Doc’s memory can be made to The Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, P.O. Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753.
Condolences to the family may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com
