Grand Marshal Daniel J. O'Connell

Daniel J. O’Connell, a lifelong resident of Burlington County, has dedicated his career to public service and union advocacy, making him an ideal choice to lead this year’s parade. O’Connell, who has lived in Delran for more than 30 years and has called Burlington County home for nearly 65 years, has served his community in a number of significant ways, from his work as a locomotive engineer to his leadership roles in local government and organized labor.

O’Connell’s career as a locomotive fireman and engineer spanned across major transportation systems including Penn Central, CONRAIL, and New Jersey Transit. His leadership extended beyond the tracks as he became an advocate for workers’ rights, serving as a local union representative and eventually as the New Jersey State Legislative Director for the United Transportation Union (UTU). In this role, he worked tirelessly on legislation at both the state and federal levels to protect the rights of transportation workers.

This years’ parade theme will honor the men and women of the organized labor and the countless Irish men and women who have fought for labor rights throughout the years including James Connolly, Mother Jones and Daniel O’Connell with a special recognition of “Essential Workers”

Now retired, O’Connell remains active in his community. He is a member of the Rancocas Nature Center, the Burlington County YMCA, and volunteers at WXPN, a public radio station in Philadelphia. His commitment to service extended into local politics, where he served on the Delran Township Council and as a Burlington County Commissioner, holding various leadership roles, including liaison to the Health Department, Schools, and Elections.

O’Connell’s Irish heritage is a source of pride for him. The son of the late Michael (Mickey) O’Connell and Rita O’Connell (née O’Brien), he was raised with a strong connection to his Irish roots. Both his maternal and paternal grandparents were born in Ireland, and O’Connell has traveled there on multiple occasions, visiting his family’s ancestral homes in County Clare and County Kilkenny. He is a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, an organization that honors Irish heritage and culture

2025 Grand Marshal Dinner 

Sunday February 23rd 

For Tickets to the 2025 Grand Marshal Dinner Click here;