Gary William O’Connell, age 74, of Stratford, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 15, 2022, after a long illness, at Seaforth Community Hospital. Born in Montreal, QC, Gary was the son of the late Thomas and Angela (Mulroney) O’Connell and was, for 41 years, the best friend, soulmate and partner, in business and in life, of Beth (Ross) O’Connell.
Gary will be fondly remembered by his family members, including brother, Brian with wife, Sandy as well as the families of niece, Maureen (husband, Chris and children Ethan and Cassie) and nephews, Sean (wife, Filomena and son Cashel) and Kevin (wife, Suzie and sons Keifer and Gavin).
Gary had been a respected member of the retail book industry since the 1970’s. Gary and Beth have owned and operated Fundamentals – Books and Toys in Stratford for 31 years, after both working at Coles Bookstores, in various capacities, on both coasts, and in the Toronto Head office for more than 20 years.
In Stratford, Gary became a committed community supporter, first as a member and then as chairman of the Stratford BIA. Tourists and locals will remember Gary’s entertaining stories and historical information delivered from the back of the BIA’s horse-drawn carriage rides.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Gary’s life will take place on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 2-4 p.m., in the Reception Centre of the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. The family requests that masks be worn indoors for safety. In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Stratford Perth Humane Society or Stratford Public Library Literacy Program through the funeral home. 519.271.7411. www.wgyoungfunerlahome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gary O’Connell 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario