Donald Douglas O'Connell, 79, of Wallace, North Carolina passed from this life to his eternal rest on Monday, September 2nd, 2024.

He was born on December 8th, 1944 and grew up in Baltimore Maryland; the son of the late George Chester and Ethel May Metz O'Connell.  Donald was also preceded in death by his sister Martha Stein.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 54 years Janice Darlene Curry O'Connell; his sons Justin O'Connell and wife Sarah and Ryan O'Connell; granddaughters Clare O'Connell, Annabelle O'Connell, and Lyla O'Connell; brother Chuck O'Connell and wife Sandy; sisters Cathryn Lowe and husband Roger, Susan O'Connell, and Anne Knoch and husband Carl; and numerous extended family and friends.

Donald was a loving husband and caring father, grandfather and brother who loved his family dearly.  Donald attended St Paul's School for Boys in Baltimore, Maryland.  After high school he attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio where he excelled in Varsity Lacrosse and was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Donald honorably served our country as a Navy Pilot for 20 years.  Including three tours in Vietnam serving in HAL-3 helicopter squadron.  Residing in Northern Virginia, Donald and his family were active members of Pohick Episcopal Church for thirty years where he served faithfully on the Vestry and as a member of Brotherhood of St Andrew.

Donald will surely be missed and treasured memories of him will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Memorial service will be held on September 13th  at 10:00AM at St Mary's Episcopal Church in Burgaw, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that any donations be given to World Vision online at https://www.worldvision.org/donate

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace, NC.