The nephew of Cork-born Bishop David O'Connell told thousands of congregants at his funeral that he was the "rock" of their family.
The 69 year-old, fondly known as Bishop Dave, grew up in Brooklodge in Glanmire before moving to America following his ordination.
A man in his 60s, Carlos Medina has been charged in connection with his murder at his home in Hacienda Heights, LA on the 18th February.
A Remembrance Mass will take place in his home parish of Glounthaune in the coming weeks.
Addressing mourners at Bishop Dave's funeral, his nephew David O'Connell said that the bishop's legacy is not yet over:
"Uncle Dave was an inspiration for us throughout our whole lives, and he will remain so. He taught us that if you have the capacity to help someone, you should do it: lend an ear and listen to people, respect each other, be considerate and give others the benefit of the doubt, have patience and give everyone a chance. Make sure that those who are close to you know that you love them and that you are proud of them".
Mourners at the funeral of Bishop David O'Connell heard that he was a man who valued friendship with young and old alike - regardless of social status.
Monsignor Jarlath Cunnane, who studied with David O'Connell at All Hallows College in Dublin in the 70s, also addressed the thousands of congregants who attended the funeral:
"But he wasn't just my good friend. Friendship is something he was good at. He was friends with young and old, far and wide, at ease in the corridors of power and with the power less. As I like to say, at ease with the movers and the shakers, and also with the moved and the shaken. He was a friend too that was good. I was better for having known David O'Connell.
