Dr. Frank J. O’Connell, Sr., D.V.M., 83, of Pittsfield, IL., died Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield.  He was born to Frank J. and Rosalie Gratiaa on March 18, 1926 in St. Louis, MO.  He married Lily Vitt on June 14, 1952 in St. Louis, MO and she survives

He graduated in 1952 from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. O’Connell started his practice in Winchester, IL and moved to Pittsfield, IL in 1952.  He has had a very enjoyable practice and successful practice in Pike County and surrounding counties in which he has driven over a million and a half miles in Pike County and other counties.   He was one of the last veterinarians serving twenty-four hours and seven days a week.  In some families, he served two or three generations.    He served his county as a medical technician in the Army during WWII with the 20^th Bomber Command.  He served in India, Burma Theatre and China.

As a youth, Frank was a water boy for the St. Louis Browns.  He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pittsfield.  He served on the Pittsfield Planning Commission over fifty years, served on Board of Directors for the  Pittsfield  Farmers State Bank for 35 years, served on the parish council-president at St. Mary’s nine times, Grand Knight in Knights of Columbus and was a 4^th Degree Knight in Quincy.  Frank was a member of the Pittsfield American Legion Post #152 for 55 years and the Pike County V. F. W. He was past president 1982-1932 of Illinois State Veterinary Association during its 100^th anniversary. Frank was a member of the Pittsfield Lions Club. 

Frank was active in Parent –Teacher’s Association when his children started school.  Member of a group of Veterinarians that traveled the world going to England, Ireland, Scotland, Columbia South America and Spain.  He served as President of Central Illinois Veterinary Association.  The  greatest blessings he had were his wife Lily, his children and grandchildren.  He was blessed with many friends through the years. 

Survivors include his beloved wife Lily O’Connell, two sons Kevin and Frank, Jr. and a daughter Lillie (Brian) Peuster, several grandchildren, and one brother Robert O’Connell. 

Preceded by a infant daughter Sarah Louise at birth and a daughter Rosalie in 1979. 

A mass of the resurrection will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pittsfield, IL with Father Rodney Schwartz celebrant.  Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Pittsfield, IL. with military rites by Pittsfield American Legion Post #152.    Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 13^th 4-8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home with prayer service at 4:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 

     Condolences to the family may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield in handling the arrangements.