William J. O'Connell

William J. O'Connell, Sr., 87, of Greenfields, passed away on August 14th in his residence.

He was the husband of Elizabeth C. (Chelius) O'Connell.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late James J. and Loretta B. (Ottman) O'Connell.

He was a 1938 graduate of Mt. Penn High School. He graduated from Wyomissing Polytechnical School in 1940.

William worked as a registered professional engineer for Day and Zimmerman in Philadelphia for 5 years until his retirement in 1992. He also worked as a mechanical engineer for Wagner Associates for 40 years.

He was a member of Schuylkill Valley School Board for 12 years and served one term as President.

William served in the Air Force during World War II and retired as a Major.

He was a member of St. Margaret's R.C. Church, Reading.

William is survived by four sons, Rolfe T. husband of Patricia Hastings of Boynton Beach, FL, Mark B. Hastings of Biscayne Park, FL, William J., Jr. husband of Sherry O'Connell, of Atlanta, Ga, and James B. husband of Heather O'Connell of Mansfield, Mass.

He is also survived by six grandchildren, Megan McMahon, Julia Howarth, Adam Hastings, Samuel O'Connell, Matthew Hastings, and Hannah Hastings.

There is also three great grandchildren.

There will be a Memorial Mass on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Margaret's R.C. Church, 925 Centre Ave., Reading, Pa 19601. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Margaret's RC Church at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com