- Date Of Birth: May 31, 1941
- Date Of Death: March 7, 2020
- State: Arizona
Michael O’Connell
May 31, 1941
March 7, 2020
Hereford- Michael O’Connell, 78 of Queen Creek, Arizona passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, March 7, 2020 at the home of his daughter Jill Berry and her significant other Michael Stuber by his bedside. Michael, son of the late John M. and Hortence A. (Randall) O’Connell was born in Peoria, Illinois on May 31, 1941.
Mike was described by those who loved him as a man who was very passionate and proud of his Irish Catholic Heritage, his Country and the United States Navy, his black lab dog Sweetie, and his loving wife and family. His wit and shenanigans were that of a true Irishman; which he passed along to his daughter Jill.
Mike was raised in Peoria Illinois and attended Spalding High School, where he graduated in 1959.
Following high school Mike joined the United States Navy where he proudly served 2 years on the Aircraft Carrier the USS Forrestal as a Navy Corpsman.
Following the Navy Mike was married to Agnes Joyce (Farrelly) O’Connell and they had 3 children; John- 55 (Illinois), Dan- 54 (Illinois) and Jill- 52 (Arizona). Mike spent many years as a Manager with SuperX Drugstores, primarily in the beloved town of Canton Illinois- where he helped to raise his family and enjoy many camping adventures.
Mike spent 11 years in Peoria Illinois working as a Realtor with friend Jim Maloof and married to Judy Smith McCoy of Peoria.
In 1996 Mike followed his daughter Jill to beautiful Arizona where he worked and retired from Banner Desert Medical Center as a Security Officer. Mike’s years working for Banner proved to be his most beloved work experience yet. Upon retirement Michael married Hui Zhang of China with whom he spent his final 11 years.
In addition to his parents Michael was predeceased by a brother, Patrick O’Connell (Illinois) and a sister Jane Ann Loveridge (Illinois). He is survived by his wife, Hui Zhang (Arizona); 2 sons, John Michael O’Connell (Illinois) and Daniel Patrick O’Connell (Illinois); his daughter, Jill Ann Berry (Arizona) (Michael Stuber); stepson, Zhe Wang (China) ; Grandchildren, Nicholas Benton Leiferman (Arizona) , Lindsay Marie Leiferman (Arizona)(Tyler Cox), John Michael O’Connell, (Oregon), and Baochen Wang (China); Great Grandchildren, Christian Theodore Cox and Silas James Cox (Arizona).
