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COL., U.S. ARMY, Ret Thomas W. O'Connell

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Central Michigan University Command and General Staff College University of Rhode Island U.S. Naval War College

FUNERAL HOME

Demaine Funeral Home - Alexandria

520 South Washington Street

Alexandria, Virginia

Thomas O'Connell Obituary

THE HONORABLE THOMAS W.
O'CONNELL, COL., U.S. ARMY, Ret.
1946 - 2016
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Thomas W. O'Connell, 69, of Alexandria, Va., and Winthrop, died unexpectedly on Jan. 19, 2016. He was born in Great Barrington, Mass., to Thomas and Clara O'Connell on July 30, 1946. Tom was raised in Jamestown, R.I., attending Junior and Senior High School in Newport, R.I.
He was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and received a masters degree in international relations at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.
Married to Patricia Ledew of Hallowell in 1968, he returned summers to the area and their home in Winthrop.
Tom had a distinguished 27-year career in the U.S. Army and served in military intelligence and special operations. He later was appointed and served as an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, in the George W. Bush administration. He continued to work as a successful defense consultant.
Colonel O'Connell's awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, Master Parachutist and Expert Infantry Badges. He is a member of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame (inducted 2008) and the University of Rhode Island Military Hall of Fame.
Thomas is survived by his wife Pat, sons Andrew and Kevin, granddaughters Dolly and Colby O'Connell, and a sister Sally Pezanko of Plymouth, Mass.
He was a communicant at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria, Va. A funeral Mass and interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring.

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Published by Central Maine from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O'Connell

29 Entries

Elaine Nichols

February 27, 2024

Hello Pat, sorry to hear of Thomas´s passing. David and I finally found out about it after our son did a search for us as David never could find anything. We often think back to those days at Ashford. We would love you to get in touch. If you are able to please email us.

Jeff Chur

February 15, 2023

A belated condolence to Patricia and family. Tom interviewed/hired me in 1982 to work for him at Delta which lead to an interesting career/life. I still have the kind letter he wrote to me prior to his departure from Delta. Rest in peace.

Jerry Cummings

July 17, 2021

Dear Mrs. O'Connell and family, I just learned of Colonel O'Connell's death from reading the forward of LtGen Flynn's book. I served with Col OC when he commanded the 'Army of Northern Virginia' and it was a great tour, especially under his leadership. My memories are fond. Laura and I convey our sincerest condolences. Jerry Cummings

Jeffrey Starr

July 29, 2016

To OC's Family
I am so sorry to learn just now of OC's passing. I worked for him in the Pentagon when he was ASD SOLIC. At times, he traveled a rough road in the Pentagon, but did so with honor and clarity of purpose. More than once, he provided top cover for me in launching a new program in conflict zones, creating for me a bond of loyalty. We drifted since those days, but every July 30, I would send him a BD email, drawing a response from him. I was just sending him one today when I discovered he had passed. I hope your memories are rich, and your anguish soothing.

M. Black

February 23, 2016

My deepest sympathies. I first met Colonel O'Connell while assigned to JSOC and had the pleasure of working for him while assigned to OSD. A great person...I know he will be missed.

Roger Vaughn

February 5, 2016

I knew Tommy when he was going to high school in Newport Rhode Island and I'm sorry to hear of his untimely death. he was always well liked by everybody in Jamestown and I was not surprised by his incredible career

Neil and Pam Mackay

February 1, 2016

Dear Pat and family. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. It was our great pleasure to get to know you and Tom during his tenure on our corporate board. He was generous with his time and assistance, much appreciated. We will keep you in our thoughts.

Les Duffin

February 1, 2016

Pardon the late entry, but I've just learned of Tom's death. I knew him for more than ten years, first during his time at Delta, then later while he was assigned to JSOC. I was by then out of uniform and a civilian working for a certain Washington agency he dealt with regularly. He was quite simply one of the best people I've been privileged to know and work with. A true professional, an outstanding officer, and a really great guy. Though we hadn't seen each other in years, I'm profoundly saddened by the news of his early passing.

Karen Conlin

February 1, 2016

Pat: We will miss Tom greatly. He was an incredible friend, competitive golfer, and man with a wealth of knowledge that he truly enjoyed sharing. You and your sons are in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda Morris

February 1, 2016

Dearest Pat, Andy, Kevin and family. I'm so very saddened to hear about Tom's passing. It was wonderful spending time with you all while you were back home attending the Newport Naval War College. While in DC visiting my son, Tom gave us a very special tour of the Pentagon. I have lovely warm memories of summer gatherings at the Harpin's and RHS class reunions. I look forward to your future visits and will deeply miss Tom's friendship and warm smile. I'm so very sorry you didn't get to enjoy a long deserved, and well earned retirement in your beloved Maine. My heart, love and prayers are with you all.

Linda

Peter & Sandra Aylward

January 31, 2016

Tom was a remarkable, kind and honorable man who made a huge difference for our warriors and their families. Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the entire family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Luke Taylor

January 31, 2016

Patty and children: Harriet and I truly love you and this grief will pass. Rest assured he is in God's hands. Tom was one of my best friends and will never forget the day he replaced me in Vietnam. He will be truly missed and will always be in my thoughts.

Brenda Ratcliff

January 31, 2016

My deepest sympathies to the O'Connell family. Tom and I grew up together on the island of Jamestown, where we were both classmates and friends. Jamestown always remained in his heart. Tom was very respected and accomplished. He will be sadly missed by many.

January 31, 2016

So sorry to hear this news Pat. Thinking of you....Sherry

FRED L SINGLETARY

January 30, 2016

To the O'Connell family, I want to express my deepest condolences. O'C was a outstanding man, friend,and commander.

January 30, 2016

To the O'Connell family: words cannot ease your pain but know that O'C was loved by so many. I had the honor of working for him in the Pentagon. TRULY an honor. My prayers and deep condolences to you all.

Aimee Bourgoin

January 29, 2016

Kevin and Family, Please accept my condolences in your loss. My prayers are with you.

January 28, 2016

Dear Mrs. O'Connell, My husband served under your husbands command in 1984 at Ft. Bragg. We are retired and live in Maine and were so sorry to read of his passing. We remember your family fondly with great admiration. Liz and Ken Lucas

John Burns

January 27, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to the O'Connell family. I knew Tom from high school in Rhode Island and renewed friendships a few times with the Harpins. He was a dedicated person to his nation and all his friends. You could count on Tom. Thank you, Pat, and your family for sharing Tom with us all.

Lt General Jack & Susan Woodward

January 27, 2016

Pat and Family. Susan and I are deeply saddened. A great public servant, confidant and friend to all. We proudly served together in Government and on a Special Corporate Board. I still miss meeting and greeting Tom on many plane rides, the ever present business greeting sport coat/jacket with ball cap and carrying a two foot thick leather "remember it all" pouch. God will grant him peace and thanks for a fine honorable life and family and we bid him a safe escorted tribute from the Woodward Family.

Gino Elsea

January 25, 2016

I had the privilege and honor to serve with Tom O'Connell. He was a great leader and mentor to all who served with him. To the O'Connell family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,

Michael Flynn

January 24, 2016

Tom O'Connell served the Army and the nation with courage and distinction. He was a professional of great character. It was a privilege to know and serve with him.

Tom 'OC' O'Connell

Thomas O'Connell

January 23, 2016

Tim Carr

January 22, 2016

O'Connell family: please know that you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of me and my family.
I met Mr. O'Connell professionally, and knew much of his work. It was a honor to know him, and to know of his work and accomplishments, and how many folks respected him. Thank you, O'Connell family, for sharing him with the rest of us.
Sincerely and respectfully,

Heather Kaye

January 21, 2016

My heart is broken with the passing of a truly wonderful leader, gentleman and personable man. My deepest prayers and sympathy to the family. He will truly be missed, but what a blessing it was to work for him and to know him.

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