O'CONNELL, John Richard

John Richard O'Connell, 67, of Colorado Springs died suddenly Saturday, February 17 at his home. Born in Leadville, CO, Richard married Barbara Jean Taylor in 1967 in Rawlins, WY. Richard worked for Colorado Interstate Gas for 22 years until his retirement in 1996. Recently, he was actively involved in the Intermountain chapter of the Antique Truck Historical Society as Secretary. Richard and Barbara also served as loving foster parents for Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs, caring for 128 newborn children. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara and his two daughters, Laurie Longberry of Falcon, CO and Marianne Santos of San Antonio, TX. He has four grandchildren; Devin, Rachel, Connor and Kaitlyn of Falcon, CO. He is also survived by his mother, Rose of Colorado Springs and his brother, James Albert of Arvada, CO. Richard will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Published in The Gazette on 2/21/2007.