Francis E. “King” O’Connell, 93, formerly of Big Shanty Road, Lewis Run, passed away Wednesday (April 30, 2025) at UPMC Hamot in Erie.

Born Dec. 8, 1931, in Riterville, he was a son of the late Matthew V. and Ruth E. (Black) O’Connell. He was a 1949 graduate of Bradford High School.

On June 27, 1952, in Mount Jewett, he married Patricia A. (Bonini) O’Connell, who preceded him in death on June 16, 2010.

King worked in the oil fields for Messer Oil, and drove for Paul Eakin Trucking. He later worked for 25 years for his brother- in-law Bob Carlson as a carpet layer for City Carpet and Linoleum.

He was a former member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church and St. Bernard Church, and an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

King is survived by one daughter, Brenda (Dave) Bauer of Etters; one son, Matthew (Tammy) O’Connell of Lewis Run; one brother, M. Thomas (Mary) O’Connell of Mount Alton; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Patty, he was preceded in death by four daughters, Mary Ellen Hooper, Christine L. Carvolth, Deborah Kilmer and one infant; one grandson, Matt Hooper; one sister, Patricia Carlson; and five brothers, James, John “Skeet,” Peter, Robert and William O’Connell.

Family will receive friends 11 a.m. to noon Saturday (May 3, 2025) at St. Bernard Church, where a Mass of Christian burial will immediately follow with the Rev. Edward Walk, senior associate, as celebrant. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be expressed at hollenbeckcahill.com.