It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of John O’Connell, on April 14, 2026, at Brampton Civic Hospital, after a brief terminal illness. He was surrounded by loving family members, who were honoured and grateful to hold his hands, hear his stories, share ice water, ice cream, prayers, and a little bit of wine. His rosary was a comfort. Sorely missed by family: Mary O’Connell (Daly), children, Kathleen, Mary, Francis (predeceased), Johnny, Michael (predeceased), and Anne. His grandchildren: Joseph, Gerard, Catherine-Ann, John, Christina, and Angelina O'Connell (Ireland), Fehn Foss, Nora Fitzpatrick-O'Connell, Nuala O'Connell, Ariella Essnaashari-O’Connell, and in laws Laurie Chesley, Jean Dalrymple, Catherine O’Connell and Bill Fitzpatrick.

Arriving in Canada on St. Patrick’s Day in 1957, after a nine-day transatlantic crossing, John eventually settled with Mary, in Brampton, Ontario, yet Ireland was always home. The eldest son of seven children, he cherished visiting the family farm in Ardprior, Castlecor, Mallow, and spending time with his siblings, Maurice, Francis, and the late: Mary Joe (O’Donnell), Anne, Bridget (Griffin), Nora (O’Brien). He is fondly remembered by many nephews and nieces. John worked in factories, delivered milk, owned numerous small businesses, and turned his hand to real estate and investments. Devoted to work, family, sports, politics and current events, weekly mass, bird watching, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, gardening, and his prized tractor mower; his extraordinary memory could provide precision and lore to any tale. Blessed with good health, his long industrious life counted many birthday and holiday celebrations. Dad, we will always remember and celebrate you.

The family is indebted to the compassionate and skilled doctors and nurses in the palliative unit at Brampton Civic Hospital, and grateful for the visits from Rev. Gomi and Pat Romeo, of St. Jerome’s Parish.

Ní imithe uainn, ach imithe romhainn.

A visitation will be held at Meadowvale Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centre in Brampton on Friday April 24, 2026, from 4 to 8 pm. A funeral mass at St. Jerome’s Parish will take place on Saturday April 25, 2026, at 10:30 am, followed by burial and lunch at Meadowvale Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Center.