George G. O'Connell Jr., age 77, formerly of the Utica area and most recently a resident of Burnt Hills, NY, passed away on Monday March 18, 2013 at Glendale Nursing Home, Scotia, NY surrounded by his family. Born in Utica on March 4, 1936, George was the son of George G O'Connell Sr. and Marion Fenton O'Connell. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and The Albany College of Pharmacy/Union University, Class of 1957. Upon graduation, George became associated with his father in the operation of O'Connell's Drug Store in North Utica. He continued in business until 1981 when the store was sold to the Rite Aid Corporation where he practiced community pharmacy for several years before becoming affiliated with Eckerd's Drugs in 1997, where he worked until his retirement in 2005. George enjoyed his memberships in several organizations including his long association with the Mohawk Valley Pharmaceutical Society, serving as President in the 1960's. George was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Wm. E. Burke Utica Council 189, earning his 4th degree in 1970, remaining a 3rd degree member for some 40 years. In the 1990's George became a member of the Board of Directors for the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, serving as Board Chairman from 1999-2002. Other memberships include the North Utica Kiwanis Club, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Mohawk Valley Hunt Club, forming many lasting relationships with other equine enthusiasts. George and his wife, the former Louise Caniato, enjoyed owning and racing harness horses in the late-1970's, spending many happy evenings with family and friends watching their horses compete at Vernon Downs. Besides his wife Louise, George is survived by his five children, Kelly (James) O'Connell-Dingley of Manchester, VT; Daniel (Jennifer) O'Connell of Niskayuna, NY; Sean (Linda) O'Connell of Niskayuna, NY; Timothy (Tracy) O'Connell of Stillwater, OK; and Patrick O'Connell of Burnt Hills, NY; ten grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. J. Spencer (Mary Theresa) Bowie of Homestead, FL; Mrs. William (Karen) Johnson of Niskayuna, NY; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving George are his devoted friends and classmates from the Albany College of Pharmacy, Class of 1957. Funeral Services will be facilitated by Heintz Funeral Home, No. Utica. Calling hours are Friday March 22nd, from 5-8pm. A Funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church on Genesee St in Utica on Saturday, March 23rd at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that your consider making a donation in George's name to the Central Association for the Blind and visually Impaired, in Utica, NY.