Lower Mills resident William O'Connell, a World War Two veteran, past president of the Boston Teacher's Union and longtime advocate for Dorchester Park, has died at age 92.

Mr. O'Connell was the treasurer of the Dorchester Park Association (DPA) and a key advocate for a series of improvements to the park in recent decades.

"Mr. O'Connell brought his passion for history and travel in every aspect of his life," said David Mareira, a neighbor, friend and DPA board member. "His love for Dorchester and commitment to Dorchester Park exemplified a life filled with kindness, patience and grace supporting the groundwork in making Dorchester Park the gem it is today."

The son of the late William J. and Julia (Houlihan) O’Connell, Mr. O'Connell was a retired Boston school teacher and principal. He served in the US Navy in World War Two. He was an alumnus of Boston College and Harvard College School of Education.

Mr. O'Connell will be buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 14 following a funeral Mass at St. Gregory's Church in Lower Mills at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dorchester Park Assoc., c/o Cedar Grove Gardens, 911 Adams St., Dorchester, MA 02124.

Visitation in the John J. O’Connor & Son Funeral Home, 740 Adams St. (near Gallivan Blvd.) on Saturday prior to the Mass from 8 to 8:30 a.m.