Lawrence James O’Connell

Lawrence (Larry) James O'Connell, 87, passed away on June 8, 2022. He was born on January 17, 1935 in Chicago, IL, to Herbert and Ruth O'Connell. He is survived by wife of 59 years, Elizabeth (Pettit) O'Connell, seven children and their spouses: Tim (Missy), Andrew (Michelle), Patrick (Beverly), Eileen, Dennis (Jennifer Miller), Brian (Christina), Sharon Campbell (Joseph). Larry is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Rebecca (Alex), Daniel, Carolyn, Aiden, Greta, Julia, Evan, Hannah, Eamon, and Rory; and by one great-grandchild: Evelyn. He was pre-deceased by two brothers, John and Kevin.

Following two years (1959-1961) of United States Army service, he resumed working as an electrical engineer for Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM), retiring after 39 years in 1996. He met his bride, Libbie Pettit, through the St. Pius XII Club. His work focused on the advancement of computer hardware and software. He was an active member of IEEE, and he participated in the development of the IGES standard.

Larry's life and relationships were characterized by his earnest and humble Catholic faith, his love for and commitment to his family, his integration of faith and work, and his effortless delivery of a timely pun. He was active in service for Holy Ghost Parish, routinely solved crossword puzzles and cryptograms, and was an avid, faithful, and frequently disappointed fan of Cubs baseball, Notre Dame football, and Lobo basketball.

His warmth, kindness, humor, gentleness, curiosity, and humility live on in all who know him.

Services are scheduled for Friday June 24, including Rosary at 9:30 am and Mass of Christian Remembrance at 10:00 am, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 833 Arizona SE. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Roadrunner Food Bank, 5840 Office Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, or to any organization that promotes kindness and tolerance.