John R. O Connell

John R. O’Connell a long-time resident of Delran passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 13, 2012, surrounded by family. He was 85.rnFor John perfection was not so much a destination as it was a path. He never put anything less than his full self into any task at hand. Even a task as minor as building a wagon for his kids or a sled for Boy Scout troop 17 included planning and blueprints before construction began. At his home in Delran, it wasn’t enough for his lawn to be mowed, it was perfectly manicured. He spent countless hours outdoors tending to his flower beds and garden. When his kids were younger, he didn’t just foster their interests, he made them part of the family’s life: he found ways to fund their scout troop through a newspaper recycling program and when it came to sports he went as far as building both a basketball court and soccer field in their backyard. It was only fitting then, that after graduating from Stevens Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering, he spent his career as an engineer for RCA in Moorestown. He served his county during WWII in the US Navy. John was an active soccer referee and teacher of referee courses in the NJ Soccer Federation. He also worked as a senior tax advisor at H&R Block.rnJohn is survived by his wife, Norma (nee Colson) of Delran. Together, their 60 year marriage has been blessed by their sons: Kevin of Mt. Laurel and Jeffrey (Yin) of Ellicott City, MD and again by their granddaughter, Cosette O’Connell of Ellicott City. He is also survived by his brother, James O’Connell and sister, Virginia Batwinas.rnA private memorial will held at Lakeview Memorial Park Mausoleum of the Apostles. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, NJ 08043.rn – See more at: https://sweeneyfamilyroom.com/john-r-oconnell/#sthash.A6z1NsTs.dpuf