Wilmer (Bill) Paul O'Connell

Wilmer P. O’Connell known to friends and family as Bill, died on March 7, 2026 in New Smyrna Beach at the age of 91.

Bill was born in 1934 in Rochester, New York to Raymond and Elsie O’Connell.

He attended Aquinas High School and received his masters in business administration at St. John Fisher College.

Bill was employed at the Rochester City School District and was the director of transportation before retiring.

Bill married the love of his life, Mary Lou McFall in 1957. They spent 60 wonderful years together until her death in 2017. Since 1972, Bill and MaryLou spent summers in the Adirondacks where they golfed at the Thendara Golf Club, where he was president for several years. They boated on Big Moose lake.

Music was Bill‘s advocation. He performed in musicals at community theaters both in Rochester and New Smyrna Beach.

He was the brass instructor for the Mighty  Saint Joe’s drum and bugle corps, out of Batavia in the 1960s. He was inducted into the Bugler’s Hall of Fame in Batavia, New York in 2024.

This wonderful Irish tenor was a member of the choir at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in New Smyrna Beach for many years.

When Bill wasn’t singing, he was on the golf course where he excelled and made many friends.

In addition to his wife, Mary Lou, Bill is predeceased by his parents (Raymond and Elsie); brothers, (Edward, Raymond (Elfriede);  sister, (Elsie (Al) Ranzenbach). He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Ellie, Dan, Bill (Mary), Ray (Debbie), Tom( Tammy), Alice (Tom) Osburn, Ed Ranzenbach, Marilyn Philipps (John Briody), Al (Karen) Ranzenbach.

Uncle Bill’s service will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 4000 S. Atlantic Ave. New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169 on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Noon.

A reception will be held at the parish hall following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hubbard House, 29 W. Miller Street, Orlando, Florida 32807 or to the Humane Society.

Condolences and further information about the  service in Florida will be posted at www.settlewilderfuneralhome.com.

Services in Rochester, New York will be held at the families earliest convenience through NewComers. 

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