Linus (“Ron,” “Jr.”) O’Connell, 93, of Westchester, from a longtime St. Edmund Parish family with ties to Oak Park and River Forest, died on March 13, 2023.
Born on April 26, 1929, he retired as a Chicago Public School principal of Schmitt & McDade Elementary and a former teacher at Herzl Elementary. He helped many students become successful in life. A 60-year member of the Divine Infant Golf League and the Tuesday Lunch Group at Doc Ryan’s, his favorite job was as a Gold Coat at Arlington Race Course, teaching many how to bet the ponies. He would talk to everyone and make them laugh with his wit and dry sense of humor.
Linus was the husband of the late Mary Ellen (nee Cahill); father of Margaret L. “Peggy” (Bud) O’Connell-Katamay, Judith A., Richard R. and John M. O’Connell; brother of the late Dolores (late Jack) and the late Dennis; cousin of Eleanor (Lou), Eileen (Frank), Jerry (Janice), Don (Chris) and Alice (the late Don); uncle of Dan and Mike and many others; and friend to many.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 17 at Divine Infant Church in Westchester, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
