Brendan Matthew O'Connell

Brendan Matthew O'Connell of Timonium, MD, died suddenly and tragically in an automobile accident on the night of Wednesday, September 17th. He was 49.

Brendan was born in Washington, DC, the first born of Elizabeth (Betsy) Terlep and Kevin O'Connell's five children. He came into the world a precocious and engaging child and grew into a warm, kindhearted man. Always ready with a smile and a booming welcome in his uniquely recognizable voice, Brendan never met a stranger, and cared deeply for his many friends.

He was a 1994 graduate of Gonzaga College High School in Washington DC where he truly personified their motto of "Men For Others." He received his undergraduate degree from Hampton-Sydney College in 1998 and went on to graduate from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Brendan's many talents allowed him rich professional experiences in fields ranging from hospitality to finance, and most recently, in real estate and property management.

Brendan's sons, Carter and Briggs, were the center of his universe and he could often be found cheering them on from the sidelines of many, many local lacrosse and football fields, and most recently, along the regions finest fairways, his big chest bursting with pride. He was an accomplished lacrosse player, excelling as an integral part of both his high school and college teams, eventually going on to play in men's leagues as an adult. He was also an enthusiastic and passionate sailor who loved racing on crews from the waters of the Bay to the deep blue of the Caribbean. A friend once described him as a natural born grinder.

His mother's fondest memory is how he glowed when holding his newborn sons, nieces and nephews, his big hands tenderly cradling their tiny bodies.

Brendan was driven by an urge to help others in any capacity needed and will be remembered by scores as a selfless, loyal and true friend. Keeping with his Irish heritage, he beamed upon meeting you and made you feel as though you were family.

Brendan's larger-than-life personality belied a quiet, caring nature that will perhaps be the part of him most fondly remembered by those closest to him. His unimaginable passing is a tragedy widely felt.

He is survived by his sons, Carter (19) and Briggs (17), his mother and father and stepmother Laurette, sister Megan, brothers Roddy (Lisa), Danny (Hélène), and Patrick (Joey), four aunts, an uncle, dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends who he held as family.

His family invites mourners to join them in a viewing for Brendan on Monday, September 22, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at Ruck Funeral Home (1050 York Road, Towson, 21204). A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in the chapel at St. Mary's Catholic Church (520 Viers Mill Rd., Rockville, MD

20852) on Tuesday, September 23 at 10:30 AM, followed that evening by a reception celebrating his life at Manor Country Club (14901 Carrolton Road, Rockville, MD 20853) from 5 to 8 PM. A private internment for family only will take place later in the week at St. Mary's Cemetery in Rockville, MD.

In lieu of flowers, a fund for the scholarship and pressing needs of his sons has been established.

https://gofund.me/4c56087dc