Obituaries

James W. "Sonny" O'Connell

James W. “Sonny” O’Connell, 85, of Hopedale, Ohio died Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Weirton Medical Center. He was born April 8, 1923 in Unionport, OH a son of the late Eugene & Grace Briggs O’Connell.  Sonny attended Muskingum College before joining the military.  He was a WW II Air Force veteran serving with the 451st Bombardier Group.  Sonny was a 32nd degree mason with the Valley of Steubenville Scottish Rite, a member of Unionport Masonic Lodge #333, Unionport Christian Church and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.  He was the owner and operator of  O’Connell Brothers Trucking, P&O Oil Bulk Plant and O’Connell Feed & Grain in Smithfield.  Preceding Sonny in death were his wife Martha Jean Carson O’Connell; brother William O’Connell; aunt Martha Peterson and friend Jackie Behary.  Surviving is his daughter Connie D. O’Connell of Worthington, Ohio.  There will be no visitation.  A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Shriners Hospital for Kids, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

Date of Death: March 1, 2009