Brian O'Connell Obituary

O'CONNELL, Brian M., Esq. Brian M. O'Connell, Esq., 47, of West Hartford, died Wednesday, (May 21, 2008) at his home. He leaves his wife Sarah Cox. Born in Wethersfield to the late Robert F. and Elizabeth (Shannon) O'Connell he lived in the Hartford area all his life. He graduated from Northwest Catholic High School, Trinity College, and the UCONN School of Law. He practiced law in the Hartford area from 1987 to 1996 and was a professor in computer science and philosophy at Central Connecticut State University. He founded the Young Democrats of West Hartford, and was a member of DeMolay, IEEE, and the Connecticut Bar Assoc. He loved his students, his friends, reading, music, robots, and rocketry. Friends may call on Sunday, May 25, from 3-6 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Donations in his memory may be made to www.alleycat.org. Messages of sympathy and condolences may be made at www. molloyfuneralhome.com

Published by Hartford Courant on May 23, 2008.
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Memories and Condolences
for Brian O'Connell

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I knew Brian when he was about 14-15 years old and was an intrepid volunteer at the Gengras Planetarium, part of the Children's Museum of West Hartford. This was way back in 1974-76 when I became the Acting Planetarium Director during my 2 year break from college. I know this is the right Brian O'Connell, from all the extemporaneous postings of previous friends, postings which express Brian's outgoing, cheerful and intelligent persona. I have not known Brian since that time, and am greatly pleased at his impacts on the people who worked with him, who taught him, and who he taught.

When I came to Gengras, Brian had been a volunteer for some time, even having an article on his planetarium expertise written in a Hartford newspaper. He and two other young volunteers often went with me to view the heavens out from Hartford, using my small refractor to search for nebulae and planets. Brian also manned the podium and controls for many planetarium programs during those years, giving me a break, with up to 5 shows a day and over 35,000 visitors a year. As Brian and the other two would show up after school, life at the planetarium would pick up! And looking back, I realize just how much that meant to me.

Brian was proud to be Irish, and now, years later, after having been there myself, I can understand why, with its deep culture, lovely scenery, and friendly people. His parents had me for dinner more than once and made me feel welcome in Hartford, far from my home in Richmond, Va.


I will always recall Brian's extroverted kindness, his deep interest in astronomy, and his cheerful personality. It was shocking to learn of his passing of 15 years past, as I sought to find him again on the internet, just as I have found some of the others who worked for the Children's Museum. I would love to hear from any of his family and friends.

Please accept my deep condolences in the premature loss of a truly fine person who inspired others.

John M. Roberts of Richmond Va.

john m roberts

September 4, 2023

Brian, and it must be this Brian, was an avid volunteer at the Gengras Planetarium of the Children's Museum of West Hartford when I was the Acting Director from 1974-1976.

Brian was a delight to have around, having a keen mind and even keener sense of humor. His parents had me over for dinner several times. Brian and two other intrepid planetarium volunteers and I enjoyed going to gaze at the stars with my 2.4 inch telescope and Brian delivered many planetarium program performances during those years. His bright personality made my life much brighter during that time !

I was shocked that Brian had passed, as I searched for his name to hopefully correspond again. If the family and friends read this note, please accept my deepest condolences.

Yours,

John M Roberts of Richmond Va.

john m roberts

September 4, 2023

To the family and friends:
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation." 2nd Corinthians 1:3

Mrs. Samuel Britt

February 5, 2009

Dear family and friends:
I leave my deep condolences with you all. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation." 2nd Corinthians 1:3

Mrs Weeks'Britt, C.N.A

January 8, 2009

I had Professor O'Connell this past Spring Semester (08). I must say of all the professors that I had while attending CCSU he was one of the few that reached deeper than just by lecturing a class.
I graduated this May, so he was one of my very last teachers that I got to meet at CCSU. I am so happy I had the pleasure to meet someone as inspiring, motivated, and dedicated as he was to his students.
No matter how bad the circumstances seemed to have been, Professor O'Connell always had a smile on his face, he was just so happy to be in class- and for that I extremely admire him.
He may have been teaching my class Philosophy of Law but just by him being there in class with us, taught me a lot more about life itself.

I'm so sorry to hear about his loss,
My thoughts and prayers are with his family always.

Katie

September 23, 2008

I'm so sorry to hear of Brian's loss. We had the pleasure of working together on some projects at the state's forensic lab, where he gave some lectures and offered advice. We also served on the CBA's Technology Law Executive Committee together.

Brian had a great wit and always an interesting take on things. I enjoyed him as a colleague and friend and mourn his loss. My most profound and heartfelt sympathies go to you, Sarah, and to his family.

Monique Ferraro

September 11, 2008

Brian was a instructor of mine 4 years ago. He always kept the class exciting and he was a great teacher. My condolences to the family, you will be in my prayers.

Emily Charles

August 29, 2008

Brian was a dear friend and colleague. He was an internationally recognized scholar and a teacher who was devoted to his students and colleagues at CCSU and elsewhere on planet earth. From his encyclopedic (and sometimes eccentric) knowledge of fields as diverse as ethics and robotics, to his travels around the world to conferences where he presented key note talks, Brian was unique. Despite his penchant for loud, striped ties of discordant colors, he was someone I looked forward to meeting by chance or for a coffee. Sadly, that is no longer possible, but the memories and the model of the thinker and doer remain.

David Blitz

August 19, 2008

Brian was a neighbor who came always forward to help – I was never able to thank him enough for the countless favors over the years. Brian was a colleague, whose professional opinion I sought on so many occasions – he can never be replaced, and his loss will leave a huge gap for all of us, who had the privilege to work with him. Brian was a friend, whose friendly advice I have benefited from so many times. Brian was special -- I will miss his enormously.

Dear Sarah, please accept my deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences.

Neli Zlatareva

June 12, 2008

I met Brian when I came to CCSU (Computer Science) two years ago. We became instant friends! He was a special person who touched so many lives. Brian was a fighter, and no matter what he was faced with, he always looked forward. An inspiration to all! I know you are smiling down on us from heaven. You will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace my friend..

Neva Deutsch

June 12, 2008

I had the privilege of co-teaching HON 140 with Brian on three occasions. He was a perfect partner for this enterprise. His broad range of interests and expertise inspired our students to view all of knowledge as their domain, to become like Brian, “Renaissance” women and men. Brian chose texts that were provocative and provided a springboard to discussion and debate—from Playing Darts with a Rembrandt by Joseph Saks to the Little Book of Plagiarism by Richard Posner. During this past year as he waged his battle with cancer, he kept up his spirits. On the days he was able to come to class his enthusiasm for teaching and for his students was still evident. We have lost a great teacher and a dear friend.

Tim Craine

June 11, 2008

I was a member of the Computer Science Department when Brian came to CCSU. What a wonderful spirit he brought to everything he did. How sad that he was taken away so early.

Zoe Leibowitz

June 11, 2008

I met Brian during Fall 2005 at CCSU for the first time. I was his TA for his Robotics Class. He was one hell of a guy and a great RedSox Fan. I still remember the last handshake I had with him in April 2008 when he showed me his picture from the Spring Training of RedSox. Rest In Peace Brian, we will miss you a lot.

Faraz Ishaq

June 11, 2008

Brian was an instructor of mine at CCSU 6 years ago and was very well-liked by everyone who knew him. A bit eccentric and always enthusiastic, he kept classes interesting and fun to attend, even at night. Mr. O'Connell always wore a smile and passed it on, always remembering a joke or something unique about you even when you didn't think he was paying attention or that it was insignificant. Brian will be missed.

David Peters

June 5, 2008

Brian and I worked together for several years in Hartford in the late 80's. I am saddened by the loss of a true friend who was always there with a smile on his face and a joke or funny story. Brian was truly a unique person and I am very fortunate to have known him.

Michael Dodson

June 1, 2008

I first meant Brian just a couple of years ago during his tenure as the IEEE CT section chairman. I can probably count on one hand the number of people I know who have the kind of charisma Brian possessed. When I learned of his illness, I was saddened but hopeful because he had so much to offer the world. And now - I'm just sad. Brian - you were a visionary, and an inspiration. Apparently God needs you in Heaven more than we need you here - because that's the only way this makes any sense. What a loss for the rest of us... :(

Michael Conroy

May 29, 2008

May 24, 2008

May 24, 2008

May 24, 2008

May 24, 2008

To Brian's loved ones:
I am so sadden to hear of his passing. We went to High School together and lived a block away as kids. He was kind, sincere, and many other good things. I was just thinking about him recently and hoped to see him next year at our 30th reunion. Please know he is in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.

Michael Morgan

May 24, 2008

My Dear Brian - I know you are singing to those who are with you now. For me, please sing them "Waltzing Matilda" and "Willie McBride." Your perfect Irish tenor voice brought all of us who heard you to tears. As has your leaving. I love you.

Janet Massey

May 23, 2008

I only met Brian once, but I will remember him forever. He was attending the APPE conference in (where was that?), and a bunch of us were delayed on our American Airlines flights home. Brian took us to the Admirals Club and made the next couple of hours fly by with his charm, wit, and humor. What a beautiful guy. I've missed him ever since then.

Hillary Hart

May 23, 2008

I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Brian. Although I haven't seen him in years, I remember him from St.Thomas the Apostle (Grammar) school and then Northwest Catholic. Brian was unique and kind, always. I ran into him after he'd become an Attorney and enjoyed a nice conversation with him; he was genuinely interested in how I was and how my family was doing. Rest in peace, Brian, and God speed. My sincerest condolences to his loved ones.

Jennifer Shea Smith

May 23, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jack O'Leary and the CCSU Bookstore Staff

May 23, 2008

Brian was a special Brother in DeMolay. We enjoyed his friendship for many years. The Lobster weekend in Vermont was a highlight for us of Brian's humor and kindness.

Fair Winds and Following Seas Brian.

Linda & Art Stauff

May 23, 2008

Dear Sarah:

I was a friend of Brian's and as you know he was a wounderful person with a big heart. The world will always be a lonelier place without his smile and laughter. He will be missed by all who knew him, for to know him was to love him.

Don McCarthy

Donald J. McCarthy, Jr.

May 23, 2008

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