Long Time East Providence Finance Director Charles O'Connell Dies at 96

Long Time East Providence Finance Director Charles O'Connell Dies at 96

O’Connell, Charles, H., 96, of Riverside, died peacefully on February 29, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Janet (Smith) O’Connell. A lifelong resident of East Providence, he was a son of the late Joseph E. and Mary (Charlton) O’Connell. He grew up on Newport Avenue in Rumford and while working on the family gladiolus farm, he witnessed the Hindenburg fly overhead. As a child, he saw the horse race Whirlaway and Alsab at Narragansett Racetrack, one of the nation’s greatest horse races. He also walked home from Union Primary School on the day of the 1938 Hurricane.

Mr. O’Connell worked for the City of East Providence, starting in the Water Department, then quickly moving up to become Treasurer, and finally Finance Director. He retired in 1991 after 38 years with the city.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

In his younger days he could be found running the large wooden roller-coaster, “The Zephyr,” at Cresent Park. In midlife, he also sold Christmas Trees from the family garden along Newport Avenue.

Charles was a graduate of East Providence High School Class of 1945 where he was selected on the All-State Track & Field team. He was Second Team All-American by posting the fastest school-boy thousand yard race, a record that remains unbroken. In 2006, he was inducted to the East Providence High School Hall of Fame. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Bryant College.

Mr. O’Connell was a communicant of St. Brendan Church, and a former member of the Board of Directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. He enjoyed reading, studying history, golfing, ballroom dancing, and was a devoted Boston Red Sox fan.

Always a consummate professional, Mr. O’Connell was a member of the RI Association of Public Accountants, and a member of the Municipal Finance Officers Association. He viewed service to the community very seriously, working to create the Municipal Cooperative Data Processing System, which enabled access to computer services, for the first time, for 32 RI cities and towns.

Charles was recognized for his many contributions to society, including being Vice Chairman & Treasurer of the East Prov Bi-centennial Committee. In recognition of work he did as acting City

Manager, on 1972 August 21, he received a commendation by the City Council. November 28, 1990 was designated “Charles O’Connell Day” by the City Council. The EP Central Little League also gave him a plaque of appreciation for support that he gave them.

Charles was a United States Army Air Corp Veteran, serving during World War II where he received the World War II Victory Medal, and also the U.S. Army Occupation Medal with Japan clasp, Cold War Service Medal for service on Okinawa and was attached to the 8th Air Corp, 22nd Air Depo, Crash Boat Unit. He also participated in the first Philippine Independence Celebration in 1946.

He is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Tripp and her husband Kenneth of Louisville, KY and Eleanor O’Connell, his longtime caregiver, of Riverside; two sons, Charles “Chuck” O’Connell and his wife Rachel of Mendon, MA, and Daniel O’Connell and his companion Donna Avery of Coventry; a sister, Margaret “Peggy” LaMarre of Riverside; six grandchildren, Yvette, Justin, Eamon, Chip, Julie and Sarah and two great-grandchildren, Cody and Brady. He was the father of the late Patricia Corbin, father-in-law of the late Jill O’Connell, and brother of the late Helen Dorr, Loretta MacDonald, James, Joseph, and Mary O’Connell.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday March 6, 2024, from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 9:15 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Calling hours are Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. Contributions in Mr. O’Connell’s memory to a charity of your choice would be deeply appreciated.