Obituary of George A. "Tony" O'Connell

O'Connell, George A. "Tony" of Saginaw, Michigan "Tony" O'Connell, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully with his family by his bedside, on Thursday, June 29, 2017, at the Cartwright Hospice Residence. He was 80 years old. George Anthony O'Connell was born on October 25, 1936, in Carrollton to the late Edward and Lucille (Rivette) O'Connell. He was a 1954 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. Following graduation, Tony enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country for four years. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Jacqueline Jeanne Reeder, on October 31, 1959, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Zilwaukee; she survives him. Tony was employed for 27 years with General Motors - Malleable Iron in the pattern shop; he retired in 1997. For many years, Tony volunteered as a boy's Little League coach in Zilwaukee. He enjoyed working in his yard, tending to his garden, and cooking on the grill. Tony also enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a Boston Red Sox fan. Above all, he loved and cherished his beloved wife, children and grandchildren. Tony will forever be remembered as a man of few words, who always enjoyed a good joke, delicious ice cream, a cold beer, and especially spending time with his family. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Jacqueline "Jackie" J. O'Connell of Saginaw; two daughters and one son: Kelly (Richard) Ahrens of Saginaw, Kathy (John) Stults of Redwood City, CA and Patrick (Amy) O'Connell of Hudson, OH; four grandchildren: Jamie (Stephen) Casey of Bellbrook, OH, Daniel Ahrens and his girlfriend, Amanda DePelsMaeker of Midland, and Nolan O'Connell and Kiley O'Connell of Hudson, OH; one sister, Alice Piechotte of Saginaw; one sister-in-law, Dianne (Gary) Hackett of Vassar; and his beloved dog, Barney. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kolleen "Kokie" O'Connell; a sister, Eileen Nowaczyk; and three brothers, Edward "Rab" O'Connell, Thomas "John" O'Connell, and Daniel O'Connell. FUNERAL: A Memorial Service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Schabel will officiate. Honoring Tony's wishes, cremation has taken place. His ashes will be interred next to family at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy may donate in Tony's memory to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or to a charity of your choosing. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.