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Community mourns the loss of Walter G. O'Connell, the “Father of Copiague”
"Mr. O'Connell had the same qualities in which we describe Mother Theresa. He was one of the most giving people I ever knew," said Copiague School District Superintendent William Bolton who knew him for about 12 years. "He was giving not only with his words but also with his actions." Bolton said that even after Mr. O'Connell retired, he continued to work as a volunteer, helping the poor and the elderly. "He is a gentleman that many would like to emulate," said Bolton. Born January 7, 1918 in Harlem, Mr. O'Connell studied to be a priest but then attended law school at Fordham University. He served in the U.S. Marines as a captain During World War II, from 1942 to 1946. During that time he fell in love with teaching after tutoring a friend's child. After teaching in Westwood, New Jersey he moved to a home on Trouville Road in Copiague in 1950, and taught in the elementary and middle schools. Mr. O'Connell helped found the High School and was its first principal from 1969 to 1972. When he stepped down from that position, he remained at the school as an English teacher, guidance counselor and dean of students, until his retirement in 1979. One of his former students and colleagues credits him with leading her on her life path. "Not only did he put me on my career path, spiritually, he was more influential to me than any pastor at our church," said Cathie Martens, a retired English teacher who pointed to Mr. O'Connell's work in Our Lady of Assumption R.C. Church in Copiague. "If Copiague ever had an overall father or mayor it was Walter," said Martens who added that there are plans to change Trouville Road's name to reflect Mr. O'Connell's contribution to the community. Mr. O'Connell leaves behind his sons: Walter of Ronkonkoma, Christopher of Copiague, Francis, Joseph and Patrick of Amityville; his ten grandchildren; four great grandchildren; his brother, Robert of Riverdale. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Mary, and his son Daniel who lost his life in Vietnam. Mr. O'Connell reposed at the D'Andrea Brothers Funeral Home in Copiague. A Funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of Assumption in Copiague, presided over by his brother, retired New York Archdiocese Priest Robert O'Connell. Interment followed in the Long Island National Cemetery at Pinelawn, next to his son and wife.
"He was a great father and a father to the whole community," said his son, Walter. "He never cursed, never lied and never said a bad word about anyone. He was a good person."
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