It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we share the tragic news that our colleague, John O’Connell, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 2, 2025. John was a valued member of Navarro & Wright who had just celebrated his 15th anniversary with the company. We will miss his steady and unfaltering kindness and guidance. He was a valued member of our executive management team and led us on all contractual and business matters. He was impeccably loyal colleague and mentor who always strived for the betterment of the firm with his astute business acumen. His passing is a profound loss for all of us who had the privilege of knowing and interfacing with him. We offer our sincere condolences to the O’Connell family and keep them in prayers as we share in their profound grief.
With heartfelt condolences, Paul J. Navarro
John O’Connell Obituary
John K. O’Connell, 64, of Mt. Joy, PA, passed away unexpectedly on May 2, 2025. He was born July 3, 1960 in Hershey, a son of the late Joseph J. and Maryann T. (Agresto) O’Connell.
John was a 1978 graduate of Lower Dauphin High School and received a Diploma in 1985 from the National Education Center. He worked in civil engineering for 40 years, the last 15 years as COO at Navarro & Wright Consulting Engineers, Inc. in New Cumberland. John was on the Board of Directors at the Elizabethtown Area Water Authority and had served as Chairman of the Elizabethtown Regional Sewer Authority.
John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen (Spanier) O’Connell; daughters, Kristen M. O’Connell and Heather E. O’Connell; son, John Patrick and his wife, Savanna D. O’Connell; grandson, Noah Patrick J. O’Connell; brothers, Joseph P. (Silvia) O’Connell and Michael S. (Sandie) O’Connell; sister, Nancy Keller; and several nieces & nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Willow and Kai and his granddogs. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Patricia A. Jones and brother, Frank J. O’Connell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey. Visitations will be held on Tuesday, May 13th from 6-8pm in the Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory in Hershey and from 10-11am on Wednesday, May 14th in the church. Interment will be in the Hershey Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to DVGRR, Reinholds, PA or Pitties Love Peace, Elizabethtown, PA. Share condolences at www.hooverfuneralhome.com.
https://obits.pennlive.com/us/obituaries/pennlive/name/john-o-connell-obituary?id=58337800
Memorial Events for John O’Connell
Tuesday, May 13
Viewing
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory
88 Lucy Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
Wednesday, May 14
Viewing
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
359 West Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033
Wednesday, May 14
Service
11:00 a.m.
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
359 West Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033