Francis Bruce O’Connell

F. Bruce O’Connell, Jr., age 83, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on August 2, 2022.  Born in Clifton, New Jersey, he was the son of the late F. Bruce O’Connell, Sr. and C. Mildred O’Connell (nee McGhee).  Bruce was the oldest of three children, graduated from Clifton High School where he was a member of the band and track team. After graduation, Bruce proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957-1963.

Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Alice O’Connell (nee Heinold) in 1961 and they resided in Wayne, New Jersey where they raised their children, Glenn and Kathleen. While living in Wayne, Bruce was a member, Deacon and Youth Leader at the Preakness Reformed Church. After moving in 1988 to “Victoria” in Marmora, NJ, he became a faithful member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Ocean City, NJ.

Bruce retired in 1991 after 30 years of service as a regional communications and service manager for AT&T. After retiring, he became the communications manager for National Freight, Inc. in Vineland, New Jersey.

Bruce enjoyed a second retirement, balancing his work schedule with frequent family and friend visits.  He loved spending time with family, (especially his grandchildren) sharing stories, planning pirate adventures for his grandchildren and fishing on his boat along the South Jersey coast.  Bruce made everyone know they were special.  Over the years, he frequented the Wonderland log flume with each of his grandchildren for an action photo with their “Pappa”, along with memorable trips to the famed Frog Hollow Donuts.  Bruce loved his family and he and Alice hosted many family events at Victoria throughout the years leaving a lifetime of memories.

Upon full retirement from his careers, he became actively involved in serving the Marine Corps League, Detachment #676, Cape May Court House, NJ.  While in detachment #676 he served as Assistant Chaplain for 6 years and Sr. Vice Commandant for one year.  He was Marine of the Year and received numerous awards for his outstanding efforts.  In 2017, Bruce relocated to Mechanicsburg, PA and transferred to Detachment #524, in Carlisle, PA.  Bruce selflessly served Cumberland and Perry Counties as their Toys for Tots coordinator, organizing and distributing toys to thousands of children from 2018 – 2021.  Bruce was once again awarded Marine of the Year in 2021.  In July, 2022, Bruce was awarded the second highest state award, the Distinguished Citizens Silver medal.  In addition, he received  the MCL state award, given only once a year called the Mary Cody Award for outstanding service to veterans.  His greatest honor was being presented with the Four Chaplains Award, recognition reserved for very few Marines. Bruce O’Connell was a gentleman of the highest order and respected by all.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Alice I. O’Connell, son Glenn S. O’Connell (Laura), of Pequannock, New Jersey, and daughter, Kathleen A. Sheely (Andrew), of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, his sister Susan Southern, of Rutherford, New Jersey, and brother James J. O’Connell, of Oak Ridge, New Jersey.  Bruce loved spending time and sharing in the lives with his grandchildren, Heather, Brooke, Dan, Aidan and Anna, especially on the beach in OCNJ or Thanksgiving family fun trips in OBX.

In lieu of Flowers, please consider contributing to The Marine Corps League-Det. # 524.  PO Box 1078 Carlisle, PA 17013. http://www.mcl524.com