Kevin Rocco O'Connell

Kevin Rocco O'Connell, 34, of East Hartford, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2017. Born in Hartford on January 14, 1983, a son of George J. and Susan (Christiana) O'Connell, he had been a life-long resident of East Hartford. Kevin was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 2001. Kevin was most proud of his accomplishments as a Chef, owning "Kev's Deli" near the UCONN campus and working as a private chef and caterer in California. He also enjoyed drawing, tattoo art, snowboarding, and especially dogs. In addition to his beloved parents, Kevin is survived by two sisters, Jennifer Plunkett and her husband, Kevin, of Sherman Oaks, CA, Kathleen Kaller and her husband, Ben, of Santa Monica, CA; a brother, Ryan O'Connell of Orlando, FL; two nephews, Ethan Plunkett and Milo Kaller; and two nieces, Grace Plunkett and Luna Kaller. He also leaves five uncles, Michael Christiana and his wife, Peggy, of Simsbury, Steven Christiana of South Windsor, James Christiana and his wife, Shari, of Windsor, Rocco Christiana and his wife, Marnie, of Middlefield, Cornelius O'Connell of Unionville; his faithful Boxer dog and companion, Pappas; many cousins. He is now in the loving arms of his pre-deceased Nana, Poppie, beloved Aunt Lucille as well as his grandparents Cornelius and Mary O'Connell. Private funeral service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family and his ashes will be spread over the waters of Cape Cod Bay. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kevin's name may be made to The Friends of the Shelton Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 2036, Shelton, CT 06484, as dogs brought great joy to Kevin's life and it is only appropriate that his memory help animals. The D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.