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BORN

1930

DIED

2014

THOMAS O'CONNELL Obituary

O'Connell, Thomas B. Of Delray Beach, FL, formerly of Cohasset, MA passed away peaceful on March 20, 2014 near his home in Florida. He is survived by his wife Jean O'Connell, Delray Beach, brothers, Lee O'Connell, Peoria, IL and Bob O'Connell, Decatur, IL; sons, Tim O'Connell, Warren, VT; Mike O'Connell, Cohasset, MA; Pat O'Connell, Warren, RI; Tom O'Connell, Williston, VT; and Terry O'Connell, Tolland CT; 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Born September 26, 1930 in Chicago, IL, he grew up a star athlete in Chicago's Olympia Fields area. He played for the city high school football championship, then to the University of Illinois. Tommy led his team to a Big Ten title and then a Rose Bowl victory over Stanford in 1952. He had a brief career in the NFL and AFL playing for the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. He started for the Cleveland Browns in the 1957 NFL Championship Game while coming off a severely sprained ankle and a hairline fracture of the fibula. Tommy led the NFL in passing in 1957 and held an NFL record for yards per pass for many years. He briefly coached, then joined the investment community in Boston, Massachusetts. Tom also built three skating rinks in Hingham, MA. He enjoyed sailing and skiing earlier in life and later embraced the game of golf. He lived a colorful life, full of ups and downs, twists and turns. He was an optimist that never looked back and always looked forward. Memorial Service to be held at The United Church of Delray Beach, FL, April 8, 2014 9:30am. Rest in peace Tommy O'Connell

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Mar. 22 to Mar. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS O'CONNELL

Not sure what to say?





September 1, 2014

From a long lost cousin - Shirley Johnson Roden
My greetings and condolences to Tommy's family. I live in Naples. Florida and in Dallas, Tx.I would love to find Lorayne and Sylvia. I do know the whereabouts of Tommy's brothers. Tom was our family hero. I enjoyed their family so much and we had fun holidays together and Sunday dinners. We are at [email protected].

Mike Ledoux

July 21, 2014

My condolences to the O'Connell family. My mom (still lives in Cohasset) found out recently and just let me know. My best to Mike, Tim and Pat, all of whom I played hockey with. I fondly remember your dad coaching me when I first moved to Cohasset from Montreal as a kid. He always gave me encouragement to progress. He was a good man. All the best - Mike Ledoux

June 4, 2014

Family members will probably enjoy this video made in Quechee in 1995:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLirYAhEN-KAHj5DnG85LVy_C5v2sdF67g

or search YouTube for "Quechee Skins 1995"

Thomas o'connell

April 9, 2014

Thanks Tommy for all the wonderful afternoons sailing on Lake Wawasee in Indiana and the special dinners and outings around Delray Beach. You will be missed.
With love your cousin.

Lorayne Davis

April 8, 2014

Tim and Mike, just heard today about your Dad's passing. Brought back memories of some fun summers at the Winter Garden rink. I can still picture him hanging out watching all of us play those crazy summer league games. My deepest condolences, Kevin Burke

Sylvia Foster

April 8, 2014

You were a wonderful cousin we had many years growing up doing so much fun. Love to you

cousin Sylvia

April 3, 2014

To all the O'Connell brothers - I will never forget all the great memories we had at the pool and playing football in the front yard. Tommy sure could throw the ball and punt it a mile.....All the best to Tim, Mike, Patrick, Terry, and Tommy from Matt Delaney

Steve Dittrick

April 2, 2014

To the O'Connell Family, my family will pray and think of you during this tough time.

Respectfully,

The Dittrick Famaily

April 1, 2014

We'll miss our good friend, Tom, whom we shared good times and lots of laughs with over the last few years. Our hearts go out to his lovely wife Jean and to Tom's large family. Don and Mal Bates at Pines of Delray North

James Whritenour

March 28, 2014

Thanks for all the fun times and good memories at the pool!

March 25, 2014

To Tim, Mike, Pat, Terry, Tom and family may your dad RIP. Rick and Cindie Kent

Steve Levin

March 24, 2014

My Prayers And Thoughts are with you.
To all the O'Connell Boys.
Peace
LEV

March 24, 2014

Our prayers are to the his loving wife Jean and to the family Your teammate

Joe and Barbara Vernasco

March 24, 2014

You will be greatly missed and thanks for your internal optimisum and positive outlook in life. RIP. Your son, Tommy

March 24, 2014

We sure had some fun times,Peter & Joyce Britnell

Matt O'Connell

March 23, 2014

Thinking of you up in heaven Grandpa Tom. Will miss you.

ELLA BANNING

March 22, 2014

WE WILL MISS YOU...

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Memorial Events
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Apr

8

Memorial service

9:30 a.m.

The United Church

Delray Beach, FL

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