Patrick J. O'Connell, age 81, passed away on 10/27/2022. He was born in Cahersiveen, County Kerry
Ireland. His faith in God was cemented when he attended a Catholic Seminary as a teenager. In his early
20's he moved to the United States and joined the Army before taking work as a Computer Technician in
the bank industry. A few years later, he settled with his family in Largo, Florida.
He met the love of his life after the service while working in Massachusetts. When he first moved to
Largo he continued his love of theater and introduced his family to the art. He joined various
productions in the Largo 8 O'clock Theater over the span of ten years. Patrick played Santa Clause in
Tyrone Mall for 20+ years where he used his acting talents to bring joy to countless children. It's likely
his picture is in thousands of households in Pinellas County, Florida. He frequented many local fishing
holes and took his children with him as youngsters. None of his hobbies rivaled his love for cribbage,
having taught his children and grandchildren how to play, and swindle, at the game.
He is preceded in death by his parents Michael and Hanora, his wife Ethel O'Connell, Hanora Kilcoyne
(sister), James Kilcoyne (brother-in-law), and Maureen Moran (sister). He is survived by Michael
O'Connell (brother), Geraldine DeMauro (sister), Tara Sheeley (daughter), Keith Sheeley (son-in-law),
Michael O'Connell (son), Andrew O'Connell (son), and Zelda O'Connell (daughter-in-law). His
grandchildren include Kayla Sheeley, Rion O'Connell, Keith Sheeley, Jr., Tomas Garcia, Copper Sheeley,
Aryasia O'Connell, and Nicolas Garcia (Nora). His great-grandchildren include Jayzen Ortega and Hanabi
O'Connell. He is also survived by many nieces (great-nieces) and nephews (great-nephews) within the
O'Connell, Sheeley, Garcia, Kilcoyne, Sawdy, Moran, Hall, Vilandre, and Degenhardt families, along with
all his County Kerry O'Connell clan in Ireland.
The service will be held at the Mohn Funeral home on November 14, 2022 at 2pm with a wake directly
following the service at 5844 107 th Terrace N. in Pinellas Park.