1981 ~ 2019
Ryan Paul O'Connell, 37, passed away April 22, 2019 as a result of acute liver failure. He was "born to fly" on June 7, 1981 at St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah to Kevin and Mary Anne O'Connell. Graduating from Judge Memorial High School in 1999, he then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management from Westminster College in 2003, and a Master's Degree in Accounting from the University of Utah in 2017.
Ryan knew he wanted to be a pilot from an early age, always asking the tooth fairy to sprinkle him with flying dust- with instructions please! He earned his private pilot's license on December 31, 1999, attaining his goal of becoming a pilot before the Millenium (just under the wire) with the guidance of his flight instructor and very good friend Jerry Carlson. Ryan also became a flight instructor at Salt Lake Community College, a commercial pilot first at Mesa Airlines and then at SkyWest as a Captain. Unfortunately he had to take a medical retirement, which was devastating.
Being able to refocus and earn a Master's Degree in Accounting with Honors from the University of Utah was a major accomplishment for Ryan. He was proud to be able to start a new career at Tesla, making friends in a different field and finding much support both from his team members and Tesla management.
Survived by his parents Kevin & Mary Anne O'Connell; brother Mark Louis O'Connell; Brandy Steele and their son Kyler Merrell; grandmothers Lucille Piquette and Margaret O'Connell; along with many wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ryan and Brandy especially thank Aunt Denise for her unwavering love, support and encouragement through difficult times. Preceded in death by his grandfathers John Louis Piquette and Charles Louis O'Connell, and his grandmother Thelma O'Connell.
Honoring Ryan's request, there will be a graveside service at the Bountiful City Cemetery located at 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah on Friday April 26th at 12:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements provided by Neil O'Donnell & Sons Mortuary. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.odonnellandsons.com. Donations to the Humane Society of Utah at 4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107, are appreciated.
Happy flying Ry! You are wearing your treasured Captain's uniform once again. We love you.
Mom, Dad & Markie

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Apr. 24 to Apr. 25, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan O'Connell

Sponsored by Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home.

13 Entries

Sue Scott,your Mom's cousin

April 18, 2024

Ryan, You are missed fella!! I enjoyed us chatting on FB for the brief time we had before your illness. My heart was full knowing you loved kitty cats:) & an animal lover like me. I wish we had more time to converse. Aunt Lucy ie your Grandmother has now joined you & I can imagine you welcomed her to your loving arms with your Granddad-a joyous reunion of beautiful souls.Fly high & often and be at peace Ryan knowing how loved you are.

April 30, 2019

My condolences to your family. May God give your family peace and comfort during this difficult time. Please read Rom 15:33.

Jerri Ferrante

April 26, 2019

There are no words to convey our heartfelt sympathy the loss of Ryan. He accomplished so much in his young life and we are proud to be part of his family. Ryan is flying with the Angel's in heaven and embraced by God and family gone before us. I like to think my mother was there to greet him with open arms. Love, peace and comfort to all of you during this difficult time.
Pat & Jerri Ferrante

Jeffrey Pawlowski

April 26, 2019

Gone to soon. Tailwinds and Blue Skies...

Melinda Scott

Sent Flowers

Melinda Scott

April 25, 2019

"Fly high and free Ryan" through the tranquil white clouds of Heaven as you continue your spiritual journey in eternal Peace.

Amber and Jace Rausch

April 25, 2019

You all are such amazing people! Please know how much you are loved. We hope you find peace and comfort in this difficult time. Ryan was embraced in God's loving arms and they both will be with your family every step of the way.

April 25, 2019

I would like to express my sincerest condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort give you his peace at this very difficult time. Php 4:6,7

April 25, 2019

So sorry for the loss of Ryan. May you find comfort in God's promise to restore comfort to the mourning ones. Isaiah 57:18.

Cindy Fuller

April 24, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family and please let us know if we can do anything for you.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Michele Andersen

April 24, 2019

Brandy and Kyler and the entire O'Connell family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know what a wonderful man Ryan was and how much you loved him. He has been a great partner, father, friend and son. Please know my prayers are with you all.

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