06/03/2026
Obituary For Edward Daniel O'Connell III
E. Dan O’Connell
May 21, 1946 – May 30, 2026
E. Dan O’Connell passed away on May 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to family, agriculture, and community. Born in Rio Vista, California, and a longtime resident of Colusa, Dan devoted his life to ranching, public service, youth programs, and conservation.
An accomplished athlete, Dan excelled in sports throughout his youth and was known as a skilled barefoot water skier on the Sacramento River. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where he played basketball and served in the Army National Guard. He later transferred to the United States Air Force and served overseas on active duty. Upon returning home, he completed his education at California State University, Chico, where he met Barbara Azevedo of Maxwell. Together they shared 53 years of marriage and built a life centered on family, ranching, faith, and community service.
Dan served as Colusa County Assessor from 1980 until his retirement in 2006. During his 26 years in office, he never faced opposition in an election, reflecting the trust and respect he earned throughout the community. He was widely known for his professionalism, fairness, and deep understanding of land and agriculture.
A lifelong advocate for agriculture and youth, Dan dedicated countless hours to 4-H, FFA, the Colusa County Fair, and the Junior Livestock Auction. He served as President of the Colusa County 4-H Council, Fair Board Director, and founding member of the Colusa County Fair Foundation. He was also a board member of the California Rangeland Trust and a passionate supporter of protecting California’s working ranches and open spaces.
Dan was deeply proud of the Registered Black Angus cattle herd he raised and the annual bull sale he established more than thirty years ago, providing quality genetics to cattle producers throughout Northern California. He remained active in the cattle industry through the California Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and Glenn-Colusa Cattlemen’s Association.
His commitment to service extended throughout the community. Dan was a Rotarian for more than fifty years and served as President of the Colusa Rotary Club. He was also active in the Redskins Athletic Foundation, Knights of Columbus, and Colusa Unified School District Site Council. His contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including GCCA Cattleman of the Year and the CBCIA Seedstock Producer of the Year Award.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Barbara O’Connell; his children, Daniel O’Connell and Shayleen O’Connell; his grandchildren, Sofia O’Connell, Colton O’Connell, Dominic Mastagni, Natalie Mastagni, and Charlotte Mastagni; his sister, Betsy Woodruff (Eddie); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Dan’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the young people he mentored, the agricultural community he strengthened, and the California landscapes he helped preserve. He will be remembered for his humility, generosity, leadership, and steadfast dedication to others. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A viewing and Rosary will be held on June 17, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McNary-Moore Funeral Home in Colusa.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Dan’s life will be held on June 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Colusa, with interment services to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s memory to the California Rangeland Trust, 3900 Lennane Drive, Suite 210, Sacramento, CA 95834, or the Colusa County Fair Foundation, 1303 10th Street, Colusa, CA 95932, or a charity of your choice.
