Obituary of Frank O'Connell DR

Dr. Frank D. OâConnell of Morgantown, WV passed away September 4, 2012. He was born in Lynn, MA on July 21, 1927, son of the late Elsie (Longmire) OâConnell and D. Frank OâConnell. A veteran of the US Army, he was stationed in Berlin, Germany during the Occupation in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1947. After graduating from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy with his Bachelorâs and Masterâs degrees, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy from Purdue University in 1957 and subsequently accepted an Assistant Professorship at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy. During his 33 years at WVU, he was promoted to Associate and Full Professor, was appointed Associate Dean, served as Acting Dean and was awarded Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 1990. He served as an officer in several professional societies including the Governorâs Council on Drug Abuse. He was a registered pharmacist in Massachusetts and West Virginia. Dr. OâConnell had many interests including cartoon illustration and animation, genealogy, playing piano, banjo and other instruments, photography, cooking, theological discussion group, and reading. Education was his lifelong pursuit and he continued to seek knowledge in science, technology and theology. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elsie Margarette (Pelley) OâConnell one son, Kevin W. OâConnell of Loxahatchee, FL two daughters, Marguerite S. Crokus and spouse Rob Orr of Sparks, NV and Erin K. (Calik) Windhorst and spouse Rob Windhorst of Pittsburgh, PA five grandchildren, Bridget Crokus of Salt Lake City, UT Benjamin and Hillary Calik of Pittsburgh, PA and Joshua and Tyler OâConnell of Morgantown, WV one sister, Virginia Murphy of Hampton, NH one sister-in-law, Ethel Dwyer of Lynn, MA and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert M. OâConnell. Funeral services to be held at Cuff-McGinn Funeral Home in Lynn, MA on September 22. A memorial service will be held at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown Saturday, October 6 from 3pm until the time of the service at 4p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, to support his great-nephew and others affected by MS.Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.