John H. O'Connell

John H. O’Connell, age 78, of Greendale, died on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice.

John was born in Bay View, and attended Immaculate Conception grade school and Don Bosco high school. After serving in the U.S. Army (Vietnam, 1967-69), he worked for more than 35 years at Bucyrus Erie in South Milwaukee. John is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Dorothea. He is survived by his wife, Faith Nesbitt O’Connell, and loving siblings Thomas (Paula) and Richard (Mary Ellen). He leaves behind his son, Colin (Michala), stepsons Dennis (Petra) and Derek (Rebecca) Brylow; seven grandchildren, Annabelle, Josephine, Dexter, Ada, Rhea, Aurelius and Orion; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is further survived by treasured friends Robert (Sue) Zywicki and Will (Chris) Starcevich.

John was an avid golfer, and decades-long volunteer and coordinator for Milwaukee Irish Fest. In his post-retirement, he enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Bucyrus Museum in South Milwaukee. He delighted in joining the cloud of regulars at Ricardo’s Pizza and the Broad Street Coffee Company in Greendale.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff and caregivers at the Reiman Cancer Center, and the Froedtert Cancer Center, and particularly Doctors Treisman and White.

Visitation will take place at Max A. Sass & Sons Greenridge Chapel, 4747 S 60th St Greenfield, on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 5-7pm. Further visitation at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8500 W Coldspring Rd., Greenfield, on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10-11am, to be followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11am, and burial at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church Cemetery, 3635 S Kinnickinnic Ave, St. Francis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Bucyrus Museum and the Honor Flight Network.