Francis Peter "Pete" O'Connell, of Slidell, LA passed away on July 26, 2023.  He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on December 30,1946 to Capt. John F. O'Connell, USCG, Retired, and Violet Carothers O'Connell.

Beloved husband of Karen DeCarlo O'Connell. Devoted father to Sean (Keather) O'Connell, Erin (Jeric) Yeargin, and Colleen O'Connell. Stepfather to Rachel (Chris) Davis.  Loving grandfather to Aidan and Madigan O'Connell, Bryce and Graysen Yeargin, Cayden Schiro, Gabriel O'Connell, Taylor Bufkin and Olivia Davis. Preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Elizabeth O'Connell, and brother Kevin O'Connell.

Pete is a graduate of Cor Jesu High School (1965), and Calhoon MEBA Engineering School (1968).

He proudly served in the Merchant Marines during the Vietnam War.  Pete spent many years in the maritime industry, which brought him to hundreds of destinations around the world, ultimately leading him to Tidewater Inc. There he met his love, Karen, at the company Christmas party in 1979.  They were married November 28, 1981. He began working for USDOT Maritime Administration in 1982 until his retirement in 2006. He then devoted much of his time to his and Karen's business, O'Connell Photography.

Pete spent the majority of his life in Louisiana. He enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, photography, and mountain escapes to enjoy the bears and watch the leaves change.  He was a fixer of all things and always willing to help a friend.  Pete was a member of the Krewe of Dionysus and a founding member of the Krewe of Poseidon.  The family happy place was Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, their cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Pete is fondly remembered from his River Oaks days- many years of Santa on the Bayou celebrations and the neighborhood pool.  Pete's favorite adventure was traveling back to his roots in Ireland where he was able to connect with cousins and enjoy authentic Irish pubs.

1946-2023   It's not the dates that matter, it's the dash in between.  Pete's dash was filled with family, friends, life, love, and laughter.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at St. Luke's Family Life Center, 910 Cross Gates Blvd., Slidell, La., on Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm (casual).

If desired, donations can be made to Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park or OneWayLove.org