Mark O'Connell Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Andre' Letourneau
June 19, 2007
I was wondering what happened to Mark. I am so sorry for your loss, I was listening to Jay and Willie and Jay mentioned Marks passing. He was such a joy to listen to and was such a straight shooter. He taught me a lot. My prayers to your whole family.
Jake & Melisa Krumholz
February 6, 2007
Dear Gloria and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. If there is anything we can do for you... please let us know.
Your neighbors,
Steve Morris
January 27, 2007
It's been a long time since Mark and I did our morning show on KOOL 108, but it was an enduring delight to be on the air with him. He held himself to very high standards, was a gifted and insightful journalist, and then, on a dime, could pivot and be the funniest guy in the room.
He was the most generous of partners, quick to take a back seat if everything was running smoothly, quick to take the wheel if we were headed for a ditch, without ever taking a victory lap for his efforts.
I loved watching football with him, or listening to him talk about his pride and joy, Gloria and their children, who turn out to be wonderful adults to be around.
There was an element to Mark's character that goes beyond what I can express here. In spite of his no nonsense manner, and his determination to create excellence, which he did, but never admitted doing, Mark was an incredibly compassionate man. What separated him from other also talented broadcasters was an old-fashioned sense of compassion for the human race, for each of us as individuals, and the determination that like George Bailey, he would constantly pay attention to the little ways that he could make everyone else's life a far richer experience.
I'm grateful to have known him, and to read, from this fine collection of tributes, how loved he was by so many.
January 27, 2007
To Marks wife and family,
My husband and I have been out of town and when we returned, we heard of Marks, way too early passing. I couldn't have imagined feeling such deep sadness about a man I never met. As so many others have said, he was incredibly special and I enjoyed listening to him a lot. He came across as a wise and informed man who had passion for his beliefs and his family. Please accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of your husband and father.
Jakes
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Bob O'Shea
January 27, 2007
As an alumn of FM-96 KRAV I was privileged to work with and along side of Tulsa broadcasting's cream of the crop.
At the 2000 FM-96 KRAV reunion I got to spend some quality time with Mark and the gang. Mark had us rolling on the floor. He was as much a humorist as he was the complete broadcaster.
He and Charlie Derek were a top notch example of what we veteran broadcasters understood to be "Golden Era Radio".
I loved those guys! Mark was a shining example of integrity and honesty in what has become a very oily industry. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful family.
In His Holy Name,
Bob O'Shea
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Michael McCarthy
January 26, 2007
Raebs, you were my best friend of all time, love you and I'm going to miss you something fierce.
God Bless you and your wonderful family!
Mac
John
January 26, 2007
The many eloquent remarks in this guest book overshadow what I could possibly say. A good man is gone. He left a beautiful treasure, his family. Such a shocking loss will be very difficult to deal with, but if what I have TEARFULLY read in this guest book is right, Mark took the time to visit with his family and prepare them for the future without him. God bless the O'Connells.
With respect and admiration, A long-time listener.
glori jensen
January 25, 2007
Mrs O'Connell and Family
I never met Mark, but felt like I knew him as my late husband and I awakened to Bab's and the Boys every morning in the late 90's. I feel like I'm losing a part of my husband again. Mark always impressed me as a man of great integrity. I'm so sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family.
D.K. Tracy
January 25, 2007
I am saddened to hear of Mark O'Connell's passing. I enjoyed listening to him on the radio; even those times I did not find myself in agreement with his point of view. Whether on the air or in email exchanges, he was always considerate and intelligent. When he went off the air I knew I would miss listening to him; to hear that he passed away truly saddens me. For those lucky enough who knew him personally, I have no doubt that you are richer in spirit for the experience. To all he leaves behind, you are in my thoughts.
carolyn marinan
January 25, 2007
Mark,
What a great guy! Thanks for letting me share the mike with you and Ron for a couple of weeks. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gloria and family. Peace.
Chris Shaffer
January 25, 2007
Mark and I worked together for several years spinning the oldies at KOOL 108. Things we had in common...
-We both married beautiful women named Gloria.
-We were both terrible at golf (my slice...his three putt).
-We both love our families more than anything in the universe (Yes, more than the Vikes or Da Bears).
I thank Mark for sharing his knowledge, wit, honesty, family stories, determination, charm, and everything he brought to the table. I thank Mark for having an opinion on EVERYTHING. I always knew where you stood.
When I first met Mark he was a young man with a young family. I am now that man...without the beard and glasses.
I miss you MO!
Lena Larson
January 25, 2007
Dear O'Connell family,
I worked with Mark many years ago at KOOL 108. I admired him as much for his dedication to and love for his family as I did for his skill as a radio personality.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Barbara and Carl Smith
January 24, 2007
What a guy..........and oh my, how we shall miss him. When you met him and got to know him he jumped right in your heart and he never left. His professionalism was what others in the industry might envy and for the listener, we knew Mark kept us informed with the facts, the truth and reliability.
As his employer, I knew I could depend on him to do the job beyond calling and he only gave his best to any project he undertook.
We loved him dearly and always felt he was the sun in our day when we were with him. We would be proud to have called him our son. To Gloria and the children, please know that we love you and wish you peace in your hearts.
Gloria, you were his soul mate and he always let us know that.
We love you.
Chuck Kolars
January 24, 2007
To the O'Connell Family:
I froze in my tracks when I saw Mark's obit in the newspaper. (talk about a 2 X 4 cracked right across my forehead.) On my 45 minute commute from Minnetrista to downtown Minneapolis, Mark and Ron entertained and provoked me and I'm sure thousands of others, making that commute alot more tolerable.
I was listening to Mark and Ron as the news was breaking the morning of 9/11, and caught as many shows as possible including the dissapointing announcement last September that the show was ending.
I never met Mark but I sure did like his personality that came across the airwaves. His voice was such a "fixture" on the talk radio circuit. The partnership and banter between Mark and Ron made for a robust "thinking aloud" platform that again entertained, while soliciting personal reflection, thought, and ultimately one's own personal opinion. I've missed the show, and Mark's unique way of rattling off the call letters and invitational phone numbers for people to call in.
Mark was great. His premature passing seems unfair and hard to understand. A church bulletin once carried this message in regard to struggling with Why?
"Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved"
I know Mark is in a better place. For the O'Connell family I pray for peace of mind and for serenity during those times when you feel Mark's void.
Everything will be OK
God Bless You,
Chuck Kolars
Joanne McCall
January 24, 2007
To Mark's beloved wife and family,
Our hearts are with you in this time of great sorrow. I wish there were words that could help comfort, but all we can really do is share how much we love and care about you, and how much we love and care about your husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle--Mark.
I remember well when Mark and family arrived in the Twin Cities back in the late 80's. KOOL 108 had just come on the air, Charlie & Mark were doing mornings, Ron Richards was doing afternoons, and I was doing the Late Night Request and Dedication Show. All of us on the air were family, and that includes another Babs--Barbara Scott Sherry--the production master extrodinarie. We all showed up for each other's events--intent on making this new station a great success.
Mark was a natural talent whether he was doing personality radio or news. But more than that, he was a fine human being...and this world has suffered a great loss--Mark O'Connell. You are missed!
With love to all,
Joe Riddle
January 24, 2007
I knew Mark from Tulsa when he worked at KRAV. I respected the heck out of he and Charlie (Derek) because as broadcasters, they got it! They were competitors but friends. Richard was right, Charlie was fast and Mark was hard to tackle. Sympathy and prayers to Mark's family.
phil hall
January 24, 2007
Mark made me a better reporter as a competitor, he made me a better anchor and writer as a boss, gave me a better radio station as a talent, and made me a better person because he was my friend. He was the type of person we all should be striving to be. He was a voice for those he didn't have one and a voice for those who didn't know how to express themselves. My friend, the world will miss you in ways you would have never imagined.
I love you buddy.
RICHARD DOWDELL
January 24, 2007
Mark earned my respect as a competitor. As a reporter for KRMG in Tulsa I always had to make sure Mark and his KRAV staff was not beating us to the punch. It made us much better and in turn both news staffs served the city better. Also Mark was hard to tackle in the football games with all the Tulsa radio guys back in those days. All my best to Gloria and the family.
Jeanetta Gill
January 24, 2007
From the first day I met Mark, There was always laughter, and a smile for me. I'm glad I have a chance to work with such a great man. Gloria and family My prayers are with you.
Michael Dean
January 24, 2007
The business lost a great broadcaster, the world lost a great person, and the family lost a wonderful dad. Mark was the best news guy I ever worked around, I enjoyed every minute of our time together at KRAV. I learned so much about news and being a news director from Mark, and all of that knowledge helped me so much in my later career. I'll miss Mark, but I'll always have the memories of the great times I shared with him and Gloria.
Rick Schneider
January 24, 2007
I first met Mark in the mid 1970’s when he was our news intern at WRIT in Milwaukee. He was a wild and crazy Irishman with a passion for sports, politics and life in general. , Mark had an uncanny nose for news & politics and stood for everything that was right and just in life. I watched him mature and excel in his field. He was a tremendous writer who genuinely cared about those around him.
Mark moved on to Tulsa where he evolved into a news manager and a respected news executive. He loved his co-workers at KRAV and they loved him. Mark always watched out for his friends. He brought me to town along with another Milwaukee friend, Corbett Brattin. I am grateful for Mark’s friendship in Tulsa as he made us feel welcome in a new city.
His best achievement was discovering his life long partner Gloria. I saw first hand the impact Gloria made on Mark’s life. Gloria swept Mark off his feet. She helped Mark evolve from a great kid to a loving and caring man.
Life sent us on very different paths and I regret that we lost touch with each other through the years. Yet Mark has always been in my thoughts and most recently in my prayers. The media world has lost a highly skilled professional and the rest of us have lost a genuinely good human being. My thoughts and prayers reach out to his children, whom he loved so dearly and of course to the love of his life Gloria. While we all will miss him, we can take solace knowing he lived a wonderful life and lived it to the fullest. See you some day in heaven old friend!
Rick Schneider-aka. Chris Van Dyke
Don Smith
January 24, 2007
I clearly remember the day I first talked to Mark. I was the news director for KRAV Radio in Tulsa, OK in 1977 and I was interviewing Mark by phone for a position as a reporter. I was so impressed I hired him sight unseen. This young man exceeded my expectations. He exceeded everyone expectations and Carl Smith made him News Director when I left to return to television. He touched us all with his professionalism, his enthusiasm, and his friendliness. His personality was infectous and everyone who knew him couldn't help but to be drawn to him. Even though I last saw Mark at a KRAV reunion in 2000 I feel a great loss.
Karen Keith*
January 24, 2007
So sad to read about the loss of Mark. Working wtih both Mark and Gloria was a privilege. Haven't been in touch for years but my heart goes out to Gloria and the kids for their loss. Mark was one talented... funny guy.
Pat Kroblin
January 24, 2007
Yes Mark, I will remember; I have to read the ENTIRE newspaper, even the sports section!
Your kids are big now! I bet you were always a great dad and husand.
You gave me a wonderful opportunity, and for quite a few others in that KRAV newsroom...thank you.
Don
January 23, 2007
At it's worst talk radio is only loud and argumentative. At it's best it is intelligent, thoughtful, sensitive and touches lives. Mark was talk radio at its best.
To that Mark added a smile, humor, quick wit, and a deep love of family. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to his family and the many others of us who grieve his all too unexpected passing.
God bless you and keep you, Mark.
Stacy Richardson
January 23, 2007
Mark, I can't believe you're gone. You were always full of life, with that gleaming wit, and those sparkling eyes. I didn't get to know you as well as I would have liked, but I am grateful simply to have known you at all.
Lee
January 23, 2007
Mark's family and Ron: I feel deeply at the loss of Mark. He treated me with tenderness and grace when I was a guest on the show. I am still alive and I feel great sadness for Gloria, the children and too Ron. Both great gentlemen. Ron I am sorry for your loss also.
Lee
Karl and Sue Kassulke
January 23, 2007
To the O'Connell family - We are so sorry for your loss. We loved to listen to Mark on KSTP from the "Golden Age" of local talk radio with Babs and the Boys through to the Ron and Mark Show. We never got to meet him, but felt like we knew him. He left us far too soon. Please know our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Mike Hardeman
January 23, 2007
I hadn't seen Mark for 7 years, and only for an hour or two then, and then for 15 years before that, so when I tried to get together with him when I was in Minneapolis on business last October, I was sorry that we couldn't eventually arrange it. Even more sorry about that now.
We DID talk on the phone, and finding another radio gig was on his mind. We had hoped to meet for a beer, but we had to do our catching up on the phone. Nobody at that time knew he was having any difficulty, so this was very sudden for me.
Mark was nice enough to lend his voice talents to some morning show bits I did at a different station than his. He was also a regular on our softball team, and I always admired his idealism and encouragement to always improve. I knew he was a great husband, father and member of the community.
Sorry I missed you, Mark. Say 'Heeyyhhhh' to Harry Caray for us...
John
January 23, 2007
As a KSTP listener I was saddened to hear the news about Mark O'Connell. He was a delight to listen to and such a real person. As a dad myself, I appreciated that he shared some of his trials of fatherhood with us. He was obviously a loving father who was devoted to his children, especially when they made choices that distressed him. He knew that those are the times when you need to love your children the most. He also possessed one of the greatest human attributes, which is the ability to poke fun at oneself. I wanted to take time at the State Fair to thank him for sharing his trials and tribulations of fatherhood with us and to let him know how it personally helped me. I didn't follow through on that and I deeply regret it. We have all lost a great man.
Mary Claire Remington
January 23, 2007
What a radio personality! Like many others I could not understand the cancelation of his and Ron's show. It left a huge hole in 1500's programing. Same thing with Babs and the Boys. Mark was a huge talent and gentleman. May your family always remember how loved he was by his fans!
Carol Maki
January 23, 2007
Gloria and Family: I am so very sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful memories that you have of your husband and father comfort you. May God bless you in this your time of sorrow.
Andrea Kish
January 23, 2007
My deepest condolences to Mark's wife and children, and other family members and friends. I am another long-time 1500 AM listener, and fan of Mark's.
Jo Dyer
January 23, 2007
Loved his show with Ron. What a great and distinctive laugh he had!!
May God grant comfort and consolation to Gloria and the kids.
Rest In Peace, Mark.
Randy Mayer
January 23, 2007
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Mark's passing. He was a singular radio personality and after he and Ron's show left KSTP, it created a void in my entertainment lineup. My deepest condolences to his wife and kids.
Derek Harley
January 23, 2007
Mark was a great man! I had the opportunity to work with Mark for a few short years while at KSTP. Mark's advice changed my life. I chose better paths within my own life from listening to Mark. I hope that I, too, made an impression on Mark. He gave me such a found love for news. Mark...I will miss you dearly! ~Harley, the intern!
Barbara Johnson
January 23, 2007
I like all the others here spent many years listening to Mark on KSTP. I often wondered how he managed to survive the years with Babs. I would listen to them and then hurry up and send an email before I would head out to work. Quite a few times he would read my emails right before 8AM. I was sitting in the car waiting to hear if he would read the one I had sent on 9/11 when the news of the first plane to hit the trade center came over the air. I then listened to him and Ron everyday forever after that. My living situation had changed by the time they went to their latest time slot so I was not aware for quite a while that their show was off the air. I met him one day at the KSTP All Star show a few years ago and had stopped by very early one day this year to watch them at the fair again. I feel as tho I have lost one of my dear friends. My best wishes go out to you all.
Barb Johnson, Columbia Heights, MN
STX
January 23, 2007
A few years after my arrival in the Twin Cities, I discovered the voice and solid sensibilities of Mark O'Connell teamed with his "not quite right" co-hosts Barbara, Brad and Dan.
I always felt that Mark's left aisle leanings didn't fit with my political perspectives, but the love in his heart for his family was always audible.
During one broadcast, I remember hearing the angst in his voice when discussing a particular path in life that a son of his was straying into -- and how a worried father (Mark) was saying he wanted to do whatever he could to fix this road that could end in difficulty.
Though your Pop has passed, I hope you kids know that your Dad always carried you in his heart.
May his wife and children rest easy after this time of sadness. My heart carries a greater weight for all of you as well -- both today and in the coming weeks.
January 22, 2007
We, too, like the other listeners were so disappointed to hear Ron and Mark's show was cancelled. And - we also were hoping to hear of them "pop" up on some other radio spot. Our prayers are with Mark's family - what a loss. He was so warm to his listeners and friendly when we talked to him at the State Fair. We will miss him. C and JR - Inver Grove Heights
John Hamill
January 22, 2007
It was a shock to open the Tulsa World this morning and the read that Mark has left us. He was a broadcast professional in the truest sense of the word--dedicated to his craft and to his family. It was a honor to have worked with both Mark and Gloria. His quick smile and quick wit will not be forgotten. (He was a heckuva newsman. Tough and fair--having known him on both sides--PR and as a colleague--of the journalism fence.)
SARGE O'Connell
January 22, 2007
Master, you were the best friend I ever had! SARGE
harold johnson
January 22, 2007
A good man,I,ll miss him
Steve Heasley
January 22, 2007
What a shock Sunday morning, when I heard of Marks' passing. In the several months since Mark and Ron left the air, I have found myself using 'the google' to see if these two giants of Twin Cities radio had been snatched up by another station. Mark was the water and Ron vinegar; and the two combined to become one of my favorite activities for several hours each day.
I respect his talent and will miss his performance. His family will be in my thoughts...
A former KSTP listener
January 22, 2007
Losing Mark and Ron in the AM drove me to KQRS. Listening at noon was not as convenient but I made a great effort to do it. Losing the show in September was traumatic. I've searched the internet for information on Mark's wearabouts - I'm so sorry to hear this news. I'll not forget how he added to my mornings. My sympathies to the family.
S J
January 22, 2007
Being a radio listener, I share all the above comments with others. We all had one thing in common - Mark .
Jennifer
January 22, 2007
To the O'Connell Family, I hope Mark knew in life how much he meant to so many. I did have the pleasure -- and it was a true pleasure -- to meet Mark on several occasions. I will miss his humor, his wisdow, and his quips. I hope that in time your sadness will be replaced by fond memories of a loving husband, father, and friend.
Linda Brostad
January 22, 2007
I was saddened when Mark left the local airwaves. I kept searching the airwaves thinking that one day soon he would again pop up. But that dream ended with the shocking announcement of his death. I am heartsick and keep thinking of his family's pain at his passing. Mark was one of the good guys, he kept us sane after 9-11 when we were in such deep pain. He made up laugh with his stories. God speed Mark, on your journey home. Gloria and the kids - you are in our prayers.
Brooks Doherty
January 22, 2007
It was Mark O'Connell who offered me some of the best advice I have ever received or could pass on:
"Sometimes you just have to get kicked in the shins."
Thank you for the voice and support. God Bless.
Andre Champagne
January 22, 2007
I remember hearing Mark on the radio from time to time. I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I recently lost a sister who was just 50. She was taken suddenly and has left a deep void in my life as I know Mark will in yours. I hope that you find some comfort in the memories of your loved one. God Bless.
Eva Smith
January 22, 2007
My shock and sadness when KSTP cancelled the Ron and Mark show was nothing to the sadness when I saw the news of Mark's passing. My prayers are with his family and I hope that the outpouring from his fans comforts them to know that he was loved by so many people who only knew him via his wonderful voice and great sense of humor on the radio.
Another AM1500 listener
January 22, 2007
I always enjoyed the Mark & Ron show and Mark was one of the only KSTP personalities that I would "chase" no matter what time slot his show was put into (sorry Ron!). It saddens me to know that he has passed but the memories live on as he set a very high standard as a quality talk-show host and as a person. My sympathies to your family.
Voni Kerber
January 22, 2007
I loved listening to Mark on AM1500 from talking about his family to his dog, Sarge in the ads. My favorite postcard is the one with Babs & the Boys. I will light a candle next to that card on Thurs. during his Memorial Service. Thanks for sharing Mark with me.
Kelly Gunderson
January 22, 2007
To Mark's family and friends,
My most heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. It was so obvious by listening to Mark on the radio that he had the love of his life as his companion and his kids were his pride and joy. His friends were so important to him as well. I am so sorry that Mark was taken from you so early in his life. I ask God to send you comfort and peace and pray that you feel Mark's presences around you often.
On a radio note, I am proud to say that I was a regular caller to Mark and Ron's show on AM1500. I consider myself blessed that I got to meet Mark and Ron on a few occasions like the State Fair. But, my favorite occasion of seeing Mark was when I was lucky enough to be in the AM1500 offices one day after their show. Mark was more excited to see me, than I was of him! Mark made me feel so special everytime I called whatever show he was working on.
It's an understatement to say he will be missed for decades to come.
My family's love and prayers are with all of Mark O'Connell's family and friends.
"NASCAR" Kelly
Rosie Storie
January 22, 2007
I remember exactly where I was when Mark & Ron announced their departure from KSTP radio. I was so angry that my favorite show was no longer going to be on. I actually wrote a nasty letter to KSTP management. Now I feel so ashamed and selfish. I didn't know your husband and father, but looked so forward to his wisdom and humor on air. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. You're #1 fan
Rosie from Zimmerman
Julia 1500 listener
January 22, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark's family at this difficult time. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him on the radio. What a wonderful man he was and he truly loved his family.
Amy Daniels
January 22, 2007
Mark was one of the funniest, smartest, kindest men I have ever known. I loved him and enjoyed every single day I worked with him - and every single moment of his friendship.
Kids - your Dad was one of the "good guys". He was a true professional and loved his job. But it was always clear that he loved his family above all.
We spent hours talking about you kids and your Mom - and he beamed with pride about all your adventures.
I will tell you that the folks in radio that knew your Dad are universally saddened that we lost a great friend and an amazing man.
He was loved and admired by so many people.
But again - nothing he ever accomplished in radio seemed to match the pride he had when he talked about his family.
My love to you all.
And Mark - you were the best.
I loved you - you old coot.
I'll miss you stumping along on the 16th hole of a golf course - muttering that "you just can't stand prosperity" after blowing a fabulous front nine.
I'll miss your humor and your big heart.
And I'll miss you everyday I look at the studio across the hall that you blessed with your talent.
God Speed my dear friend.
Love you always
January 22, 2007
We had the pleasure of enjoying Mark on his radio shows and always looked forward to them. He was a polite, kind, compassionate, humorous man who projected that through out his broadcasts. He will be greatly missed. Our family is deeply saddened by his untimely passing. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Our deepest sympathies.
Lorraine, Steve, Lori and Erin Nelson
AM1500 listener
January 22, 2007
Listeners of AM1500 are truly grieving the loss of Mark O'Connell. Although, I only knew Mark thru his shows, the voices inside our radios become such a part of our daily lives, therefor I felt like I lost a friend.
When his & Ron's show was cancelled I was one of the many who emailed the program director, in disgust. Something I never do. I was so hoping he would pop up someplace else.
It was a pleasure listening to him because he of his intelligence, wit and the fact he came across as a real man.
My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends.
God bless
"I gotta go now ...click"
Tom Clancy
January 22, 2007
I have never met Mark O'Connell but when I saw the notice in Sunday's paper it was like I had lost a dear friend. I thoroughly enjoyed Mark and Ron on the radio. It was like getting together with friends to discuss the events of the day. They were always interesting and topical. I miss that show a lot and nothing has come close to replacing it. My deepest sympathies to Mark's family and friends.
Jackie
January 22, 2007
I was disappointed to learn of Mark's departure from am1500 last fall because I enjoyed listening to his intelligent and empathetic commentaries. He jump started my morning drive and got my brain cells moving. I'm truly saddened to hear of his unexpected passing. My deepest sympathy to Mark's family. May you find peace and comfort knowing that so may people loved and respected him.
A fan.
January 22, 2007
I was upset when one of the best shows on KSTP left the air, but was stunned to hear of Mark's death. My deepest sympathies are with the O'Connell family.
Dawn
January 22, 2007
Mark - I loved listening to your radio program on AM 1500. You were always thoughtful, intelligent, and so careful with the way you used words. When the show ended I felt left with a void. It is still there. If I could have chosen who to go out to dinner with, it would have been you and Ron. My sympathies to your family.
Janet
January 22, 2007
My prayers are with your family and friends. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I enjoyed listening to Mark on the radio and always thought he sounded like such a great Dad.
Michelle Benson
January 22, 2007
To the Family,
Thank you for sharing your husband and father with so many people. I made time in my day to listen to his radio show and still miss him.
You are in my prayers.
Wenzel Kust
January 22, 2007
I had the pleasure to meet Mark twice during on-location radio shows (Twin City Harley was the last), nonetheless I am now very sad to have learned of his death. His personality, on-air charm, whit and humor will be greatly missed. May God Bless his family with strength and understanding.
Van Patrick
January 22, 2007
Mark O'Connell was one of the best people I've worked with in a crazy business. Always a kind word, a wink and a smile every morning. Never too busy to stop and talk in the hall. What a sweetheart. You will be missed.
Sandra Browne
January 22, 2007
I was a huge fan and was so sad to hear this news. my thoughts and prayers are with you all
Mike Raymond
January 22, 2007
I was sad when his show ended on AM1500 but even more saddened to hear of his passing.
He was a pleasure to listen to and always seemed to be a real gentleman - he will be missed. My sympathies to the O'Connell family.
Sue B.
January 22, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark and his family. He seemed so real and had a voice of reason, it will be sorely missed.
Jimmy Francis
January 22, 2007
your family will be in my familys prayers. I worked with Mark - and he was always great to me - sad to lose a great newsman like Mark. I'll bet he is working the beat on the otherside.
May your family find peace in prayer.
Darrell
January 22, 2007
I never knew Mark personally, but, I truly enjoyed his radio shows. I started listening to him back in the days with the boys and of course Babs. That was my favorite show. I always enjoyed his knowledge on so many issues and his sincerity on so many issues. He always seemed so concerned about his family as he talked about struggles that I am very confident helped others. Thanks for sharing Mark with us in the radio land.
A listener to AM1500
January 22, 2007
I am truly saddened to learn of Mark's passing. He truly was a gentle man who touched the hearts and minds of his listeners. To Mark's family, may your memories and love sustain you all in this time of grief, and may you be comforted knowing that so many share your sorrow. Godspeed on your journey Home, Mark!
Mary
January 22, 2007
I was shocked to read about Mark's death in my Sunday paper. I loved listening to Mark and Ron on the radio. He was truly a voice of reason. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Jason
January 21, 2007
I was saddened the day Mark announced his show was done, but not nearly as sad as the news today. My sympathies to the O'Connell Family.
Sonny Hollingshead
January 21, 2007
So long, buddy! I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and knowing you in both radio and in television.
May all the love in the world now shine on Gloria and your family.
God bless you!
Peace
Julie Heaton-Hill
January 21, 2007
I was very sorry to hear of Mark's death. I have enjoyed listening to him on local radio for many years and have always appreciated his thoughtful sensitive commentary, sense of humor, and impressed with his love of his family. My sympathies to his family and friends.
D. P. Dorn
January 21, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with Mark's family and friends. He will be missed and was deeply loved by his many listeners and fans too. We have lost a voice of logic and compassion. We all grieve his passing.
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