10/21/2025
GEORGE P. O'CONNELL
October 21, 2025
George Paul O'Connell was the devoted husband of Kathleen Gallagher O'Connell for 53 years. Together, they raised three children - Maureen (Daniel Curran), Corinne, and Thomas (Christine) - first in Elkins Park and then in Jenkintown. They were quite a pair in their shared commitment to working hard and doing good, especially with the St. James parish community. And they were known to hit the dance floor early and often.
George graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1962, where he later served on the alumni board. He earned an undergraduate degree in economics in 1966 and his JD in 1969 from Villanova University, where he and Kathleen were married in the Chapel in 1972. He practiced law for more than 50 years, primarily with Barbin and O'Connell; and later with Howland, Hess, and O'Connell. He quietly shared his expertise in tax and estate law with anyone in need. A man who kept his rosary close, George preached the Gospel with his life.
He cheered loudly and often officiated at track and cross country meets--especially those with Ambler Olympic Club, the Philadelphia Catholic League, and the Penn Relays. He never missed a fundraising luncheon, academic lecture, or a chance to tell his children to "keep up the good work." He delighted in his four grandchildren - Seamus, Brendan, Beatrice, and Thomas: riding bikes, shooting baskets, reading books, shoveling snow, and cheering at all things St. Margaret’s School.
George loved watching for hawks at Lorimer Park and ospreys on the beach at Merivale Ave on Long Beach Island. He lived and died by the Phillies, and never met a dog he didn’t like. He relished walks in the woods, a crowded kitchen table, and taking in the night sky.
He was affectionately known as Mr. O'Connell, Dad, GO, Big Mrs. O'Connell, the Cash Flow Generator, Pop, Popinator, Uncle George, the Big Guy, and finally, Mr. George. He was humble, honest, curious, deeply faithful, hardworking, devoted, loyal, methodical, quietly loving, and a really good dancer.
In his final weeks, George was cared for with tenderness and compassion by remarkable healthcare professionals and neighbors in the Acts Communities of Gwynedd Estates and Ft. Washington Estates.
We love you, Pop.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation Monday 9-10:45 AM at St. James Church. 8320 Brookside Rd. Elkins Park, PA 19027 followed by funeral Mass at 11 AM. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia 1829 N. 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121 would be appreciated. www.habitatphiladelphia.org
