Obituary of Dennis John O'Connell
Dennis John O’Connell
February 27, 1947 – June 9, 2025
Dennis John O’Connell, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Warren, New Jersey, on June 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on February 27, 1947, in Jersey City, Dennis was the son of the late Edward and June Gloria O’Connell. He grew up in Jersey City and later moved to Dunellen, where he and his wife raised their family and made their home for 42 years. In more recent years, Dennis and his wife settled in Warren.
A proud patriot, Dennis served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1968. He continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1971. Following his military service, Dennis earned his Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University and went on to enjoy a fulfilling and accomplished professional life.
Dennis dedicated 30 years of service to IBM in Dayton, New Jersey, where he worked diligently and earned the respect of his colleagues. After retiring from IBM, he continued his career at the Bank of New York as a capacity planner, retiring once again after several meaningful years.
Outside of work, Dennis lived a life rich in passion, intellect, travel (especially cruising) and family devotion. A lifelong admirer of Bob Dylan, Dennis found great joy in listening to his music and reflecting on the poetry of Dylan’s lyrics. He was also a devoted sports fan, particularly when it came to baseball. Although he never lived in Cleveland, Dennis was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Indians and closely followed the career of Jim Thome. He also rooted for the Cleveland Browns, much to the amusement of his family. Whether it was in the morning or a family gathering, his perfectly brewed Dunkin Donuts coffee was always met with smiles and compliments from everyone.
Dennis had a sharp mind and a love for strategy, often playing chess and card games with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed board games, golf, playing pool, cornhole, and bowling. Playful moments with his grandchildren brought him great happiness. A keen investor and devoted follower of Warren Buffett, Dennis read annual reports with gusto and was proud to support companies he believed in — including Sam Adams, a beer he enjoyed and invested in.
He had a special fondness for Williamsburg, Virginia, particularly its charming brick sidewalks, and always cherished his time at the Jersey Shore. The family’s home in Point Pleasant was a treasured retreat, and Dennis was a proud member of the Bay Head Shores Property Owners Association for the past 18 years. Summers spent there were among his happiest times.
Above all, Dennis was a man devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Darlene; his two loving daughters, Erin Michelle Palmer and her husband Kevin Michael, and Shannon Kristen Battiste and her husband Robert Todd; and his three cherished grandchildren, Cassandra Noelle Palmer, Robert Dennis Battiste, and Skye Kristen Battiste.
Dennis is also survived by his three sisters: Karen O’Connell and her husband Patrick McDonnell, Donna O’Connell and her husband Ed Rusbarsky, and Gloria O'Connell and her husband Bobby O’Connell. He was predeceased by his brother Edward O’Connell and Edward’s wife, Diana.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial visitation on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ, followed by an 11:00 a.m. memorial service at the funeral home, with Rev. Sean W. Kenny presiding.
Dennis would have appreciated sharing the lyrics of his favorite artist, Bob Dylan:
“The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”
His family finds comfort knowing that Dennis now rests in peace, carried gently forward by the winds of a life well lived.
