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Michael John O’Connell
Michael John O’Connell
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Michael O’Connell Obituary
Mike's memory is honored by his beloved wife, Wendy Snyder, and his legacy left through his daughters, Katie O'Connell Jordan and Jaclyn (Brandon) Baily from previous wife Christine O'Connell; in addition to his six treasured grandchildren: Lyla, Liam, Judah, Isaac, Naomi and Faye Simone. Mike, preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Hodge and Charles Francis O'Connell, further leaves behind his brother Danny (Mary) O'Connell and twin sister Tricia (Bunky) Sadler, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins and a boundless circle of friends.
Raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, Mike was a proud graduate of St. Michael's The Archangel Catholic School, St. John's College High School and the University of Maryland. Founded by his grandfather, Mike and his siblings co-owned and ran C.F. O'Connell & Son's Insurance for nearly forty years. Later in life, he co-owned The 4 Corners Pub with his good friend Brian Smith (Hoss and Dog).
Mike and Wendy made Estero, Florida their home base when they were not traveling abroad or visiting loved ones as far as Kent Island, Maryland to Key West, Florida. Together they sought adventure in more than a hundred countries, from the Galapagos Islands, and as remote as the Arctic and Antarctica (notably experienced within the same year). Their love of travel was shared with and instilled in his daughters and their grandchildren. Mike relished his time spent on a golf course as one of The Great Eight and his over thirty year annual trip to Pinehurst with lifelong friends. Regardless of where he was, you could always find him with a wry smile, a soulful song and a good glass of wine.
Born on Valentine's Day, Mike's love language was laughter, and he shared it smoothly. He never failed to deliver one of his quirky "Mikeisms" or his clever "lesson of the day" with his daughters, grandchildren or anyone lucky enough to be in his presence. His life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-enjoyed. His presence will be forever missed, but his legacy will shine eternally in the hearts of those he has left behind. Cheers, until we see you on the flip side.
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Mary Fran Jenkins
September 17, 2024
My memories of Mike were so astonishing. You would never miss his entrance, tall, handsome, dressed for the beach, and had the biggest smile on his face.
Many fond memories go back to my high school days when the O'Connell's lived off Dale Drive, well that was the house to be at, our stomping grounds!! Our weekends were spent at their beach house in Cobb Island. Those days were filled with lots of friends, boating, skiing, and sunbathing. When the sun started to go down, a feast of food arrived, dozens of crabs, and beer flowed and flowed. Those days with the O'Connell's were filled with family fun and laughter till the wee hours of the morning.
Those times were some of the best in my life!
Mike you will be truly missed and loved forever.
Love, Mary Fran
Peter Grant
August 8, 2024
Peter Grant
August 8, 2024
Walt Haggerty
August 8, 2024
The Mikeisms will stay with me forever. "What´s your name, what do they call you!" Playing with a cork! Playing with a spoon! Playing with a napkin! All special moments that will never be forgotten.
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Peter Grant
August 8, 2024
To all that knew him,
Any moment, any time spent with Michael O´Connell was SPECIAL!
I believe God put Michael in our lives for a reason. It was a gift to us. We could all listen, learn, laugh, and enjoy every moment in his company. To know Michael was to love Michael. He is not gone from our lives, he NEVER will be! He´s but a thought away, and almost guaranteed...that thought will bring a smile.
God bless you Wendy and family...always.
Peter Grant
Tim Joyce
August 6, 2024
When I got home from Vietnam I went home first, St. Michael's for Mass second, and then straight to the O'Connell's. I couldn't wait to see Mike and family (plus I had a crush on Patricia). It was my first meal back in the USA. Growing up I had a lot of meals and sleep overs at his house. I was happy to see Paul's mention of Tommy Kane and the run through Sallie's (house) yard. Pick up football games at the Academy field, basketball in the gym. Nolte field for practices and of course Turkey Thicket for games. Mr O'Connell gave me my first Rolling Rock! We used to go Trick-or-Treating together. One year Mike, John Young, and I were going home after filling our bags and we noticed a grouping of pumpkins - so we just had to go "bowling". Well, Mike's pumpkin rolled the furthest! Pretty sure he cheated. I hadn't seen Mike for years and when I had a small, mini-reunion of guys from St. Mike's. Of course we had it at the Corner Pub! Mike showed up, sat down, and bought a round. We laughed for awhile and then Mike had to go. As he walked towards the door, he turned back, waved and left us with what all remember of our friend. The Smile!!
Paul Kemp
August 5, 2024
My first memory of Mike is watching him and Tommy Kane run from Sallie's yard up Pershing Drive toward Holy Names Academy after we all had done something wrong. Laughing out loud, sprinting. He was always in a good mood, whether on Mayfair Place, in Vegas, on Cobb Island, buying the Corner Pub, or fighting cancer. Just one of the pleasures of my life to have known him, and all the O'Connells. Miss you brother.
Mary Robinson
August 4, 2024
Dear Wendy and family, Jim and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. Mike truly lit up a room with lots of fun and laughter! We are truly blessed to have enjoyed many beautiful and fun times together. Mike leaves a mark on my heart! God's peace Mary & Jim Robinson
Mary robinson
August 4, 2024
Dear Wendy and family, Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. Mike truly lit up a room and always had everyone laughing! We feel so blessed to have share with both of you some beautiful times and lots of laughs. He leaves a mark on my heart for sure!! Love and peace, Mary and Jim Robinso
Karen Van Wyck
August 3, 2024
So sorry for your loss--I am sure you have wonderful memories--Karen VW
Gerry Sharpe
August 3, 2024
Really sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Though I haven't seen Mike in decades, I have lots of memories from St. Mike's, traveling to football games in the family station wagon with Mrs. O'connell driving us to Turkey Thicket. Many times she would either offer or give in to requests to stop at the Ice Cream Parlor on the way home at the Univ. of Md. I remember playing at the O'Connell house and of course the Slot Machines in the basement were always a real treat. I'll never forget one time playing golf with Mike, you had to be there to feel the impact, but we were on the 9th hole, (the one where someone threw a club and the tree grew around it), Mike was standing and leaning against a tree when I hit a fast line drive right at his head(of course this wasn't intended), Mike's response was so immediate and so FORCEFUL that the he jumped behind the tree and closed his eye so hard to prepare for impact that his eye started crying! We then got a really good laugh out of this because it was just so darn close. Of course my golf game hasn't improved much since those days. I really only know Danny and Tricia but my thoughts are with all of the family. Over the years I would see Mike and he always had that patented smile on. Enjoyed that Big Mansion Mike, your friend, Gerry Sharpe
Jimmy Ohlhaver
August 3, 2024
During our days at St Michael's...basketball practice one night in January...one of the guys stole a beer from his dad...Mike (in 7th grade) and I and two other guys sat in the parking lot of the girl's gym at Blair HS and passed around a 12 ounce can of Blatz beer...the temperature outside was 12 degrees...proving we were manly men...
Note to Mike's grandchildren, nieces and nephews: Mike would discourage this kind of behavior - it was against the law...
Love you Mike
Patricia
August 3, 2024
Going to dinner at his house in my early 20´s and he put rabbit pellets out for an appetizer !
Keegan Sparks
August 3, 2024
I relished the opportunity to spend the first week in August every year with Mike in the sand hills of NC. God speed amigo.
Mary Louise O´Connell
August 2, 2024
When we were at St. Michaels, the nuns used to confuse our mothers. My mom heard a lot about "her" son Michael who was in my class, before she could get a word in and correct the nun. Mike was also chosen to portray the priest in our preparation for First Communion. Maybe the nuns thought that would make him into a saint...Mike was always the fun, kind, generous, ready with a quip guy I knew since first grade. You will be missed, Mike! Love, Bubba O´Connell
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