Robert A. O'Connell

Robert A. O’Connell of Floral Park, N.Y. passed away peacefully due to the CoronaVirus on May 4, 2020. This is a Tremendous and Untimely Loss as He had so much life left to live. 

There will be a brief Visitation at Dalton Funeral Home in Floral Park on Friday May 22nd, all are welcome to share some memories at our Zoom Service or Facebook Live. There will also be a small gathering and Service the following day on Saturday May 23rd at Calverton National Cemetery which will be available through Zoom and Facebook Live. 

Robert  A. O’Connell was born on March 18th, 1941 in Staten Island, New York to Mary (Lockenvich) O’Connell Ullrich and Edward Francis O’Connell and was raised in Howard Beach, New York with his brother Thomas J. O’Connell, sister Dolores J. O’Connell and brother James Ullrich. Robert and his brother Tommy and sister Dolores had the honor of singing as a trio at Carnegie Hall. After Robert graduated from High School in 1959, he enlisted in the US Army from 1959 to 1962 and trained as a USA Construction Draftsman Engineer and Military Justice in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Before he headed off to Cambodia for one year of foreign service drafting bridges and roads, he met the love of his life, Esta K. Schroer at Hillside Rollerdome Roller Rink in Richmond Hill.  Just before he was discharged from the army with a Gold Conduct Medal and Military Honors, Robert made a phone call to propose to his future wife Esta before he headed back home. Three months later, Robert and Esta were married on November 25th, 1962 at Our Lady of Grace Church in Howard Beach, and were married nearly 39 years before Esta’s passing in 2001. They had their first house in Malverne, New York, but within a year moved to Queens Village, for an easier commute to the City where Robert was attending Pace college. Robert graduated from Pace College with a Magna Cum Laude degree in drafting and marketing. During that time, their daughter Kim was born on September 6, 1965. In 1967, Robert and Esta, along with his in-laws Julius and Martha Schroer, decided to purchase a two-family home in the Village of Floral Park, New York, a quaint mayberry-like village, with close proximity to the trains and the city, and located conveniently right down the block from the Beautiful Village Park and Pool, it was the perfect location to settle and raise a family. Their son, Todd, was born on November 27th, 1967 that very same year.  Robert O’Connell was very dedicated to his work and family, commuting many years in and out of Manhattan working 
for Western Electric and AT&T and also Instrumental in the merger between AT&T and Bell. Robert was always very involved with his son Todd in Boy Scouts, Karate, Little League Baseball and Soccer, High School Plays, Wrestling and Football and Supportive of his daughter Kim’s Musical endeavors from Elementary and High School through present day. Robert, who also enjoyed singing, would always give his critique of his favorite Voice and American Idol Contestants and even had the opportunity to perform with a Choir at Westbury Music Fair for a Christmas Show. Robert helped spark his son Todd’s interest in Architecture through his love of drafting and still has a drafting board to present day. Robert’s love of research, geography and history is something that his daughter Kim has come to enjoy as well. He always had the best recommendations for shows on the History Channel. If anybody ever wanted to research an item, they knew to talk to Robert who would give them a very detailed analysis and comparison. His favorite magazines were always Consumer Reports and TIME Magazine. Robert was a Loving and Supportive husband and son-in-law. Robert and Esta complimented each other in every way as Esta was opportune to stay at home to raise their children Kim and Todd due to his constant support.  Even after Esta passed away at only 58 years old in 2001, Robert continued to watch over Esta’s mother, Martha and take her to Doctor appointments and shopping whenever she needed for 15 years more until she passed on. Robert had a great heart and lots of integrity. Robert has always been a constant source of practical and non-judgmental guidance to  everyone who knew him, with a “Laissez Faire” attitude and always with a big smile and easy laugh! While Kim and Todd grew up, Robert made sure that there were SO many happy family memories, from Holidays celebrated to Vacations and trips with Family and Friends every year to So Many Different Places!! THIS is what mattered to Robert!!!!!    Making the moments count!!! Robert O’Connell is preceded in death by; his Mother, Mary (Lockenvich) O’Connell Ullrich; Father, Edward Francis O’Connell; Beloved Wife, Esta K. (Schroer) O’Connell; Stepdad, Harold Ullrich; Brothers, Thomas J. O’Connell; James Ullrich; Sister, Dr. Dolores J. O’Connell; Mother-in-law, Martha (Dinies) Schroer; and Father-in-law, Julius Schroer.
Robert O’Connell is Survived by; his Daughter, Kim (O’Connell) Kuperschmid (Peter); his Son, Todd O’Connell (Linda); Grandchildren whom he loved so much, Caitlyn O’Connell, Melody Kuperschmid, Justin Kuperschmid, Amber O’Connell; Sister-in-laws, Maureen O’Connell (Pawleys Island, S.C.); Jan Ullrich (Westport, CT.); Gail Ullrich (GA.); Nephews, Col. T.J. O’Connell (Katherine); Dan O’Connell (Lizabeth); Matthew Ullrich (Taylor); Joseph Pepin; and Great Nieces and Nephews, Hailey, Patrick, Caden, Jack, April, Christopher and Baby Aria. 

Future Memorial Service when permitted will be planned for Summer or Fall 2020   

 Please Post ANY Memories of Robert O’Connell   on the Zoom and/or Facebook Live Memorial Page

In Lieu of Flowers - Please Donate to  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/ coronavirus/giving.html So we can help Bring an End to this Deadly Virus that is taking so many Innocent Lives!