Edward J. O'Connell

Edward Joseph O'Connell, suddenly at age 72; Our hero and one of the kindest people to walk the earth; Beloved husband to the most amazing Wife, Mom and Nana, Mary (nee Witt); Loving Dad to Kelly (Marty) Luzzo, Eddie (Rene), Molly (Brian) Hollock and Kevin (Katie); Proud Papa to Kevin, Maggie, Jake, Will, Eddie, Mera, Maisley, Mick, Owen, Lincoln, JJ, Paddy, Charlotte and Nora. Preceded in death by his parents Ed and Mary Jane (nee O'Connor); Dear brother to Mary Jo (Mike) Saunders, the late Kathy (Mark) McCarthy, John (Kathy) and Tim (Nancy); Fun-loving nephew, uncle, cousin, teammate and a friend to so many; Lover of all things Notre Dame; The best loop a Beverly caddy could ever hope for; The most amazing storyteller.

Ed was a lifelong parishioner and graduate of St. Linus (1966). He graduated from Marist in 1970 and from his beloved alma mater, Notre Dame, in 1974 (he'd want you to know that he lived in Morrissey Manor, and that he played rugby). He and Mary carved out their piece of the American dream in Oak Lawn at a home equidistant from Marist and Mother McAuley high schools. This was no accident; Ed sacrificed much so his kids could have a Catholic education (so long as it was at one of those two places!). As the years went by, he selflessly turned away personal ambition and continued making sacrifices, so his family could remain in the community.

While Mary made the home, Ed worked for many years in public accounting and private finance to support the things he truly loved: spending time with his family, golfing with his wife, going to Notre Dame games, visiting Wild Dunes, and spoiling his grandchildren. It was in these settings that he truly shined and was at his happiest. He singularly kept Tom Clancy in business, devouring novels on the beaches of the Isle of Palms. On Saturdays in the fall, you could find him in the northeast corner of Notre Dame stadium, always staying after the game until the playing of ""Notre Dame, Our Mother.""

His kids never had trouble finding a coach – he was always there in his Adidas pants with his clipboard, usually having had to navigate a long commute from work just prior to practice. They never had to look too far into the stands to find him during their games either. Somehow, someway, he was always there. And when things got tough, you could count on the unmistakable, booming voice that could carry across an entire football field: ""You're fine. Get up, dust yourself off, and get back in there.""

Of all the titles he earned over the years, it was most fun to see him as ""Papa."" The hard veneer had worn over the years. He had a huge soft spot for his beautiful grandchildren, as wide as a welcoming first fairway. Just like he did for his kids, he also did for his grandkids: they could look into the stands or among the folding chairs behind home plate and somehow, someway, he was always there.

Ed adored Mary. He was at the peak of joy out on the golf course with her, traveling with her, and sitting around the dinner table talking with her. They went everywhere together and did everything together.

One of the toughest guys we knew, he played rugby at Notre Dame and with the South Side Irish for many years. There's an old saying that rugby players spend the entirety of their matches pretending they're not hurt. He lived that until the end, not letting on just how hurt he was and never wanting any of us to worry about him. It was never about him. He always showed up for his family, and he gave his everything in all he did. He worked so hard because he wanted to make life a little better for his family every day. Ed O'Connell was all-heart.

In the end, he was surrounded by the things that mattered most to him: his faith and his family. The world is richer and brighter for having had Ed in it. And we, his family, are devastated that he left it. What we wouldn't give to play a few more hands of euchre, see him at another game, hear another story, or play another round with him. He always used to say that he was so lucky; the reality is that we were the lucky ones.

Everyone that has met Ed has a story to tell about him. Mary, his kids and his grandkids would love to hear yours. We welcome you to visit with Ed and his family at the Marist High School Chapel, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago, IL on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Chapel is located at the far west side of the school and please enter through door 42. Funeral Monday, November 4, 2024; family and friends will meet directly at St. Linus Church, 10300 S. Lawler Ave., Oak Lawn, IL to celebrate Ed's amazing life with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Committal Service Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Final Resting Place Cedar Grove Cemetery at the University of Notre Dame. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ed's name to one of the following: the ""Ed and Mary Jane O'Connell Scholarship Fund"" at Marist High School; the ""Ed and Mary O'Connell Scholarship Fund"" at Mother McAuley High School; or the ""God, Country, Notre Dame Scholarship Fund"" at the University of Notre Dame. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Walter Quinlan Funeral Directors, 708-425-3700 or www.walterquinlanfuneraldirectors.com.