PRINTER'S NO. 1413
No. 208 Session of 2004
INTRODUCED BY LEMMOND, JUBELIRER, MUSTO, MELLOW, ROBBINS,
TARTAGLIONE, LOGAN, TOMLINSON, MOWERY, FUMO AND RHOADES,
MARCH 8, 2004
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MARCH 8, 2004
A RESOLUTION
1 Expressing condolences on the passing of the Honorable Frank J.
2 O'Connell, formerly a member of the Senate of Pennsylvania.
3 WHEREAS, Senator Frank J. O'Connell of Luzerne County died on
4 January 31, 2004; and
5 WHEREAS, Frank J. O'Connell began his public service career
6 with 12 years of service as a member of the Council of the
7 Borough of Kingston; and
8 WHEREAS, In 1966 Frank J. O'Connell was elected to the first
9 of six terms in the House of Representatives where he
10 represented communities in Luzerne County; and
11 WHEREAS, During his tenure in the House of Representatives,
12 he was elected as Chairman of the Republican Caucus, as well as
13 ranking Republican on the Appropriations Committee of the House
14 of Representatives; and
15 WHEREAS, In 1978 Frank J. O'Connell was elected to the Senate
16 of Pennsylvania to represent the 20th Senatorial District then
17 consisting of all or parts of the counties of Bradford, Luzerne,
1 Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming; and
2 WHEREAS, During his tenure in the Senate, Senator O'Connell
3 served as Chairman of the Committee on State Government, as well
4 as a member of various Senate committees where he authored and
5 co-authored legislation on a variety of issues such as local
6 government, volunteer fire services, agriculture,
7 transportation, small business, law enforcement and health care;
8 and
9 WHEREAS, Senator O'Connell was a diligent advocate for the
10 people of northeastern Pennsylvania and was an aggressive
11 advocate for the interests of his constituents; and
12 WHEREAS, Widely known as the "Big O," Senator O'Connell was
13 known for his great sense of humor, his fiery and passionate
14 advocacy and his well-honed sense of independence; and
15 WHEREAS, Senator O'Connell left the Senate in 1985 and began
16 a new career as a representative of various causes and clients
17 while being free to spend more time with his family and friends;
18 and
19 WHEREAS, Senator O'Connell, who was preceded in death by his
20 wife Mary, is survived by his children Mollie, Sharon and Frank,
21 and their children and grandchildren; therefore be it
22 RESOLVED, That the Senate of Pennsylvania express its deep
23 sorrow over the death of this passionate gentleman; and be it
24 further
25 RESOLVED, That the Senate express its deep gratitude for the
26 service rendered, lessons imparted and friendship shared; and be
27 it further
28 RESOLVED, That the Senate extend its condolences to the
29 family of its former colleague, the Honorable Frank J.
30 O'Connell, and direct that copies of this resolution be
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1 presented to his children.
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