John J. O'Connell, Jr., 88, of Belle Mead, NJ, passed away Tuesday evening, February 2, 2010 at Merwick Care Center in Princeton after a long illness.

Born in New London, CT, John grew up on Long Island and in New York City before moving to New Jersey in 1946. He has been a resident of Belle Mead since 1967.

Mr. O'Connell was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, as a Chief Signalman, after faithfully serving his country from 1940 to 1946 during World War II.

He was a founding and nurturing member of both New Horizons in Autism and COSAC, now known as Autism New Jersey, was active in the SEARCH program for the autistic, and was also a member of the Thomas J. Kavanaugh Post 2290, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Manville. John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and their friends and in his later years was an accomplished golfer.

John retired in 1981 as a District Manager for John Hancock Insurance in Edison after 35 years of employment.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia Cole O'Connell and two sons Timothy C. and Patrick J. O'Connell. Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law John J. O'Connell, III and wife Nona of Somerset, his son, Terence J. O'Connell, residing at Search Meadows Group Home for the Autistic in Freehold, NJ and two grandchildren, Patrick and Kerrin.

Funeral services will begin on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 10:30am at the Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton, NJ followed by an 11:00am funeral mass at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 214 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. John will be laid to rest with his wife and sons in St. Paul's Church Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, February 7, 2010 from 1-5pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the autism organization, SEARCH Day Program, 73 Wickapecko Drive, Ocean, NJ 07712.