Obituary of DanJoe O'Connell

DanJoe O'Connell Glace Bay It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel Joseph (DanJoe) O’Connell, age 68, on March 16, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born on August 3,1951, in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Gouthro) O’Connell. Danjoe grew up on tenth street where his family home was a long time gathering spot for many friends and family. He opened his door to everyone and was always up for a beer and some great company. He was well known for his theatrical storytelling and loved to make others laugh. You would be sure to get royal treatment, offered spaghetti and meatballs, listen to some great music in the background and maybe even a little tap dancing. DanJoe spent most of his career working for Cape Breton Island Housing Authority where he became known for his meticulous work in drywalling and painting. He was always the type of guy who made sure when a job was done it was done right. He took pride in his work and was very good at it! He retired several years ago after which he spent his days enjoying a morning coffee at the wharf and spending time with his friends and family. Danjoe will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 41 years, Linda O’Connell, his two daughters Tracey (Mohamed) O’Connell and Danielle (Peter) Murphy. He will be forever missed by his grandchildren who he adored: Zoe, Kyle, Allie, Ibrahim and Ameera. As well as his fur baby, Buddy. He is survived by his four brothers Michael (Mary) O’Connell, Francis (Ruth) O’Connell, Leo (Judy Nightingale) O’Connell, and Ray O’Connell and his three sisters Marie Kelly, Cathy (Frank) Bird, and Rose O’Connell, brother in law John Helle and sister in law Mary O’Connell. As well as his extended family Dougie (Gwen) Aucoin, Jack Bonaparte, Marilyn (Butch) McNeil, Carmel (William) Reid, and Patsy (Charlie) Murray and many nieces and nephews. DanJoe was also blessed with many lifelong friends who he journeyed through life with and made many memories. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Carol Helle and Patsy Baillie; brothers,Adrian O’Connell and John Blaise O’Connell; sister-in-law Geraldine Bonaparte: brothers-in-law,Jerome Kelly, Brian Baillie, Kenny Aucoin and his best friend and fur baby “Dee” Cremation has taken place. Due to the current situation with Covid 19 we will have a service and visitation at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA or the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all the health care workers especially Michelle Kelly who provided him with the best care during a very difficult time. A special thank you to his brother Francis O’Connell and Joe Byrne who he came to depend on and were there for him each and every day.