Sydney
We regret to announce that Charles ‘Charlie’ William David O’Connell, age 71, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney.
Born in Sydney, Charlie was the son of the late Gladys ‘Toots’ and Frank O’Connell.
Charlie’s two assets were his hands (to fix, create, and care for) and his beautiful blue eyes (to observe everything). Charlie was a man you could count on with his punctuality and dependability. He dedicated 50 years of his life working for the CBRM as the Chief Engineer of Ice Maintenance at the Sydney Forum and Center 200. He was past president and coach leader with the Sydney District Little League. Charlie enjoyed helping others, Sunday night Mixed Bowling League, fishing, watching TV or out on the deck with his two fur babies, Shadow and Paris, drinking Tim’s coffee and having a smoke.
Charlie had a dream that later became a reality when the family gave him a surprise gift for his 70th birthday. It was a trip to Toronto, with great seats in the stadium, to watch his favourite baseball team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Charlie leaves behind the love of his life for 47 years, Donna (Axworthy); sons, David (Frances Waterman) and Sean (Meghan); grandchildren who always made him smile, Nevaeh, Evander, Aurora and Charlee; step-grandchildren, Brogan, Sophia and Paige; sisters, Lynn, Margie (John), Francie, Stella (Frank), Trudy (Reggie) and Erica (Adam); brothers, Albert (Sue), Jackie (Connie) and Frank ‘Oakie’ (Cheryl); in-laws, Lill Brewer, John and Theresa Axworthy, Mike Axworthy and many nieces and nephews
Besides his parents, Charlie is predeceased by brother, Jimmy; son, Daniel and mother-in-law, Jean Axworthy.
Special thank you to the Palliative Care staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and his ‘family nurses’, Stella and Francie for attending to ALL of Charlie’s needs.
Visitation for the late Charlie O’Connell will be held on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier. Memorial service to celebrate his life will be on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the funeral home in the All Faith Chapel at 1 p.m. with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Following the service, a light lunch will be served in the reception area of the funeral home. Private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Charlie may be sent to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton and the IWK.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Oakie, Cheryl and family,
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers.
From: Gay Lorraine Phillips
I love you.see you again soon
From: Margie
Dear Donna and Family
Sending our sincere sympathy in your loss. I have many memories of Charlie when we worked together at Centre 200. He was always kind to me and worked hard to have the best ice surface on the island. He was proud of his work. May your happy memories bring peace and help ease your loss. Sincerely, Darlene MacLean Ken Bickerton and family
From: Darlene MacLean
My deepest condolences to Donna and family. Charlie was such a character and will be deeply missed.
From: Nancy Anderson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Jackie (Cormier) Matthews
From: Angie and Murdock Cormier.
SORRY I DIDN,T GET TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOU WHEN I LAST SEEN YOU . GOD BLESS CHARLIE , R. I. P.
From: JOHN SPARLING
Charlie was a great guy, our condolences to his family and friends.
From: John Shannon
Deepest sympathy from rosanne anď cathy xo
From: Rosanne and Cathy
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Charlie. His love of life and for you all will help you through this most difficult time. He is at peace in God’s care. Yolanda and David Nurse
From: Yolanda Nurse
So sorry for you loss. I worked with him at the Sydney form and later on Center 200
From: Nancy MacRae
I fondly remember Charlie when we were both rink rats at the old Sydney forum.
Charlie has a great sense of humour. We would joke and kid around every time we were together at the forum. My sincere condolences to Charlie’s family.
From: Paul Stauch
Donna, what more can I say about Charlie? He was so good to me, especially in the winter when I’d see him coming up the street on his tractor with the snow tent for protection from the elements. I know I was only one of the many he took care of. He was a gem.
Thoughts and Prayers sent out to the.
Dear Donna and boys, our condolences go out to you and all your family on the loss of your husband, and Dad. Hold on to your memories and let them guide you during this time of sadness.
Annette and Ray MacLean
Oakie, Cheryl and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
Donna and Family,
Our sincere condolences on Charlie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marilyn & Lawrence O’Callaghan
In the times that we had the pleasure of being in his company his unforgettable smile is what we will remember about him the most. He was always so joyous and kind. Condolences to the OConnell family. Our hearts are with you. God bless you Mr O’Connell ( Charlie) may you Rest in Paradise : Debbie and Donna Marshall
So sorry to hear about Charlie. You are in our thoughts and prayers
My dear Donna. Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. Charlie will always have a special place in my heart, making one of my late Moms dreams comes true. Such a wonderful man who I am honoured to have met and to have you both in my life. God Bless you all! Keeping you, David, Sean and families in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs and prayers from across the miles. Love Jen, Rich and Ramsey
Donna, Very sorry for the recent loss of you dear Charlie. Love and blessings sent at this most difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear about Charlie – our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. My family always talked about you both with such happy thoughts and great admiration – I am sure that they are bowling up there together!
Donna,David, Sean- so very sorry for your loss…Charlie was one of a kind….keeping you in my thoughts and prayers….
Donna and family: Shocked and saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. I’ll always remember him with a smile on his face. He was one of the good ones. Thinking of you all.
Oakie, Cheryl and O’Connell family.
Our deepest condolences on your loss. I hope happy memories will help you all through this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda & David Bennett
Ottawa, Ontario
Donna and family.. Thinking of you at this most difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing.May the fond memories you have,help you through this difficult time
Frank I’m so sorry for your loss
Donna,David.Sean
My deepest condolences to you all. Charlie always had a laugh for me when I seen him. He was very good to Matt and Emily. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Matthew, Emily and Mary Rose
Donna sory for your loss he was a good friend
Donna and family, thinking of you at this most difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
We miss Charlie’s smile and our chats as we headed over to the hospital field. Loved seeing him feed the cats that came from everywhere. Bless Charlie for all the good deeds he did without expecting anything in return. Prayers for you all.
Sean and Family,
Our condolences to you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Irma Mckeigan, and Sharise McKeigan
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10
David Frances Nevaeh Evander and O’Connell family
On behalf of your pastor Lloyd Grant, his wife Sis Cecille, Deacons and members of Beechville Baptist We extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this difficult time with the loss of Charlie.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dear husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Bette and Paul Norman. (Carter)
Donna: Our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear husband Charlie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Bette and Paul Norman
Our sincere sympathy to the entire O’Connell family during this difficult time.