John Preston O’Connell (Preston to his friends) was born to his loving parents, John and Joanne (née Preston) O’Connell, on June 18, 1951, in New Castle, PA. He was followed in short order by four younger siblings, and the close-knit clan shared what can only be described as an idyllic mid-century, suburban childhood in Berwyn, PA. As his brother Scott once said, “Sometimes I think that heaven is being seven years old on Lindsey Drive.” Every summer, John and Joanne would load up the kids and head north to Wa-Wa-Nosh, the family cottage in the Georgian Bay, where Preston spent his summers on the lake with his siblings, cousins, and the numerous friends he made as a camper and later a counselor at Camp Hurontario.

Donations may be made in Preston's Name to
The Birnie Hodgetts Children's Fund

Established by Camp Hurontario alumni, the Birnie Hodgetts Children’s Fund recognizes the importance of building friendships, self-confidence, leadership and outdoor skills, and provides a meaningful camping experience for children otherwise unable to attend for financial reasons. Please add a dedication when donating online.