10/07/2026
A tribute to our uncle Gerard O’Connell who sadly passed away on Wednesday 8th July.
Our most heartfelt condolences to our beloved Auntie Pauline and Cousins Paul, Gary, Peter and Alison.
Gerard was a Gentleman in every sense of the word!
A strong, thoughtful and intelligent man, he never sought the spotlight, yet did so much for others without fuss or fanfare. He was Sensible, dependable and kind with a heart of gold and a genuine generosity that expected nothing in return. He wasn't the loudest in the room, but he was always a great person to spend time with. He always had a story, a joke or a perfectly timed witty remark and he had a way of making every gathering feel warm and welcoming, and always ensured you had a drink in your hand.
He enjoyed the finer things in life but was never flashy or wasteful and was one of the most selfless people Iv known. An incredibly hard worker who worked several jobs to ensure his family had the best possible life he could provide. Gerard had a gentle nature and carried himself with dignity and class.
Above everything else, his family was his pride and joy. Our beloved Auntie Pauline was the love of his life and was at the centre of his world, alongside his children, Paul, Gary, Peter and Alison, and his grandchildren who brought him immeasurable pride and happiness. You could see the joy they brought him, and the love he had for them was written all over his face.
Although he was an only child, he became part of a much bigger family when he married into the Houston clan. He has been a part of our lives since we were born and over the years he was loved and respected by us all. He was the kind of man every family is lucky to have and the one everyone wanted on their team at a family quiz night. There was barely a topic he didn’t know something about and was able to recite detailed facts about almost any subject that would come up. It was in the quieter moments that we bonded most and shared a love of history and current affairs. I was always fascinated by his general knowledge and was grateful to have received a crash course in accounts and financial planning from him before starting our business.
He worked hard, loved his family and lived with quiet integrity. Even in his final days, he remained the dignified gentleman we all knew, surrounded by the family he cherished most and left this world wrapped in the love he had spent a lifetime giving to them.
We will remember him by the countless small acts of kindness, the wisdom he shared, the stories he told and the example he set.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
JH & MH
The death has taken place July 8th 2026
at Belfast City Hospital of Gerard O`Connell
60 Belldoo, Strabane.
Much loved husband of Pauline,
dearly loved father of Paul, Gary, Peter and Alison,
loving grandfather of Oisín, Lacey, Eoghan, Isla, Ronan, James,
Aoife, Daniel, Lorcan, Anna, Hallie and Piper
and beloved son of the late Dan and Nancy O`Connell.
Reposing at his home on Friday (July 10th) from 4p.m.
Funeral leaving his home on Sunday (July 12th) at 10.50a.m.
for Funeral Mass in St Mary`s Church, Melmount at 11.30a.m.
Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife, sons, daughter, grandchildren
and family circle.
Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.
FAMILY TIME PLEASE FROM 10p.m. to 11a.m.
AND ON THE MORNING OF THE FUNERAL.
The Funeral Mass can be viewed live via the Parish We**am
http://www.melmountparish.com/webtv.html
