Edward Patrick O'Connell, 83, affectionately known to family as "Dadu", passed away Thursday, January 22, in Austin, Texas. E.P. was born in Temple, Texas, raised in Austin, attended Austin High School and the University of Texas, where he played on the basketball team, and then served his country in World War II. He was retired after a long career in the physical plant at the University of Texas. After his love for his wife, Chris, his children, and especially his nine grandchildren, the most important part of E.P.'s life was his pioneering effort in alcoholism recovery in the Austin area. His family was particularly proud of his 21,787 days of sobriety, while we suspect he was happier knowing that "Pat O'C" had helped countless people continue on the road to recovery over those almost 60 years. E.P. also served the Austin community as a member of the Grand Jury for a number of terms, a lay member of the State Bar Grievance Committee for District 9, and as a Director of the Austin Rehabilitation Center. E.P. is survived by his wife of 60 years, Chris O'Connell; son, Mike O'Connell, his wife, Cathy O'Connell, and their children, Kristin O'Connell and Steven O'Connell; son, Patrick O'Connell, his wife, Jan Soifer, and their children, Brad O'Connell and Ally O'Connell; daughter, Elizabeth O'Connell Walker, and her children, Jordan Walker and Brandt Walker; daughter, Margaret O'Connell Land, and her children, Nicholas Land, Elizabeth Anne Land and Olivia Land; and many beloved friends and relatives. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 11:00 a.m., at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, Austin, Texas 78731. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall at St. Theresa's, after which burial will take place at Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Theresa's Catholic School, 4311 Small Drive, Austin, Texas 78731, or to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, Adoration Convent of Christ the King, 1040 S. Cotner Blvd., Lincoln, Nebraska 68510.

Published in Austin American-Statesman on January 25, 2009