Fr. Lawrence A. O’Connell

Ordained: 1930
Status: Settled

Died: 12/22/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Pittsburgh PA

A woman filed suit in 4/2004 alleging she was molested by O’Connell at ages 12-15 at St. Gabriel’s in Whitehall, where O’Connell was pastor 1952-1983. O’Connell resigned in 1983 and died in 1986. Three more women filed suit later in 2004, alleging he sexually abused them as children. Claims included in Diocese’s 9/2007 $1.25M settlement with 32 plaintiffs alleging abuse by 17 priests. Named in the 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. One woman alleged abuse at age 7. New suit filed 9/2018. Another filed in 11/2018. Named included on the diocese’s list of accused. New suit in 6/2020.


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