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Thomas O'Connell Obituary
WEST BOYLSTON - Thomas F. O'Connell, 66, of West Boylston died Saturday, May 8, 2021 after an illness.
Tom leaves his wife of 38 years, Tina (McGauley) O'Connell; two daughters, Leah M. O'Connell of West Boylston and Anna R. O'Connell of Worcester; his father William J. O'Connell of Worcester; a sister Susan A. Burns and her husband Jim of Worcester; two brothers, William M. O'Connell and his wife Mary of Worcester, and John G. O'Connell and his wife Darlene of Worcester; and many nieces and nephews. His mother, Alice B. (Minor) O'Connell, passed away in 2018.
Tom was born and raised in Worcester and has lived in West Boylston for 20 years. He graduated from Doherty High School in Worcester, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He earned a master's degree in science from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell with a concentration in Radiation Services and Protection.
Tom had a long career with the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health as a liaison to entities in the state offering services emitting radiation. He inspected hospitals and other health care settings for safe practices. He also worked with nuclear power plants and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He retired in 2015 after 33 years with the Commonwealth.
Tom also participated in the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency travelling to conferences around the world.
During his career, Tom became a certified fire instructor and consulted with fire departments across the state about the handling of Hazardous Materials. He also taught at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow and was a consultant for its HazMat Laboratory. He was a former member of the Health Physics Society.
Tom was a proud Eagle Scout. He enjoyed landscaping and gardening. His tomatoes were extraordinary. He was attracted to the excitement of bonfires and the beauty of oceans.
Funeral services will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, Tom's family suggests donations in his memory to support the O'Connell Hazmat Conference Scholarship
through the International Association of Fire Chiefs, 4795 Meadow Wood Lane, Suite 100W, Chantilly, VA 20151. Please make checks payable to the association and mention the scholarship fund on the check's memo.
The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O'Connell
Sponsored by Athy Memorial Home - Worcester.
Ruth-Ellen Burack Flanagan
February 14, 2023
It has been 50 years since our graduation from Doherty and more years since our days at Tatnuck. We will think of you at our reunion in June.
Tim Sullivan
May 18, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a wonderful neighbor. He taught me a lot about many things -music, carpentry, and so much more. He made a great impact on me personally and he will be missed by all of us who knew him.
Mike Barry
May 17, 2021
Just a huge blow to have him pass away. He and I would keep in contact every other month or so to "Check in" on each other and to plan that trip when the weather was better to OC's to solve the problems of the world... Godspeed my friend! Condolences to all
Pete Lemieux
May 15, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Tom through Haz Mat and the MFA. A true gentleman with a good sense of humor. My condolences to Tom's family.
Clive Donner
May 15, 2021
I first met Tom way back n the early 2000. We were in Vienna sat in a large room in the UN complex. Two fish out of water. After about an hour Tom stood up and said, have any of you actually dealt with an emergency, I was the only person to stand, from that moment onwards we became good close friends spending time together teaching others all around the world. We spent many many hours talking about our lives and families. Tom was so very proud of his two daughters and their achievements It was also clear to see he was very much in love with you Tina. Tom was able to make a difference in a dangerous complicated industry giving hundreds of professionals around the world the benefit of his experience and knowledge. Tom will be missed by many but be assured he will not be forgotten. Tom was a kind man and my family are indebted to yours for all the kindness you have shown us. You and the girls will always be welcome in our house and I hope very much one day you will come and visit. I will miss Tom very much, but I will carry his memories with me always. Tom if you are watching remember what I told you "keep your powder dry and never cut the red wire"
Sandy and Brian Curran
May 15, 2021
Tina, Leah, and Anna and extended family & friends,
I first met Tommy at CCD at St. Andrews in Worcester. I remember his smile then and when he and Tina were dating our lives recircled and we were reacquainted again. Tina & Tommy were always very hospitable and our friendships grew as our families grew. we shared many holiday gatherings at Tina and Toms off of Heard Street and he was always jovial, welcoming, and had that infectious smile. I always enjoyed when we reaped the benefits of his vegetable garden too. he was a man of many talents.
Tina, Leah, and Anna remember the love, and warmth that encircled your home and the many happy memories that you all have shared. May his love and that of family and friends support all of you through this difficult time.
Sandy and Brian Curran
Jack Bonina
May 13, 2021
Very sad to hear of Tommy's passing. My sincere condolences to Tina and the girls, and all the O'Connell family
Laura Hill
May 13, 2021
Tom you will be missed by myself and family. You were the best at the radiation control program. So glad we reconnected and went down memory lane, it was fun.
Joan Hillier-Emonds
May 13, 2021
To Tina, daughters I am extending my heartfelt sympathy, also to Billy O'connell Sr and his family I am very sorry for your loss. May Tommy rest in peace.
Joan & Dick Walendziak
May 13, 2021
Dear Tina- we are so sorry to learn of Tommy's passing. We will always remember his smiling face in the back yard on Newton Street this past September. Glad to have that sunny memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. Joan & Dick
Richard Efthim
May 12, 2021
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of my best childhood friends. We spent many days playing and visiting each other's homes, going to Abbott Street School, Chandler JHS and Doherty HS. We spent many days with Gary Rabidou playing sports often. And I can remember when our Boy Scout troops competed with each other at district events. I'm so sorry to lose my friend. I wish his family, father, brothers and others my sincerest condolensces. May his memories be eternal.
Joe & Carol Rutkiewicz
May 12, 2021
Our deepest of sympathy to the passing of Tom (son-husband-father-brother-brother-in-law-uncle and friend). May Tom rest in the peaceful and gentle hands of Jesus.
Love and Peace.
Joe and Carol Rutkiewicz
Kathy Cederberg
May 12, 2021
To the O'Connell family, you have my deepest sympathies. I consider myself lucky to have been able to call Tom, my friend. He helped me out with many nuclear exercises for MEMA both as a controller and trainer. He was a smart, talented and caring man and I will miss him. Kathy
John & Gloria St Marie
May 12, 2021
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Okie. He was a genuine person with a very warm personality. Sending strength and prayers to Tina, Leah, Anna and family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and love in the many memories that will be with you forever.
Todd and Barbara Bard and family
May 12, 2021
Cousin Tommy was the absolute best! He will be forever missed by us here in WMass. Sending love and support to Tina, Leah and Anna and the entire O'Connell family. We love you!
Tricia (O'Brien) Suliman
May 12, 2021
So sad to hear of Okie's passing. He was like a big brother to me out in Amherst. He was someone I could always count on. His big heart and smile and gentle way was comforting and uplifting. I'm sure not just to me but to many. I was a better person for having known him. Hope you all, his family, find some peace in all the beautiful memories he left behind. Blessing to all.
Michael B. Feinman
May 12, 2021
Tom was a good guy in college, and the life of the party. It is with great sadness that we learned that our fraternity brother was taken too young. On behalf of all of his Sig Ep brothers that are remembering him now, we wish you peace with his memory.
Nick and Linda Kotsopoulos
May 12, 2021
There are no words that can adequately express our feelings about Okie's passing. A good friend since our days at Chandler Jr. HS, he was always a lot of fun to be around and would not hesitate to lend a hand when needed. We consider our most fortunate to have him as a friend. His memory will always be a part of our lives. Our deepest sympathies to Tina, Leah and Anna. Okie was one of the best!
Lynn Bird
May 12, 2021
Our brother-in-law, Tommy, was a beloved husband, father and friend. His passing will leave a huge void in our lives but we will always treasure our memories of him. Love, Lynn and Bob
Sue Neaz
May 12, 2021
I am immensely sadness by the news of Tom's passing. I enjoyed working with Tom on a hospital program along with Mary T. at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. He will most certainly be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with his wife and daughters and extended family. Peace
Laurie Raphaelson
May 12, 2021
Tom was a bright light in our high school class. He always had a smile and a joke. So sad to lose him so young. I had really hoped to see him at our 50th reunion. May his memory always bring a smile to your faces. So sorry for your loss to his family.
Ted Johnson
May 12, 2021
Tom a smart kid in school. Very sorry.
John &Vikki Brodeur
May 12, 2021
We were so sorry to see that Tom had passed.He was a great guy & a great neighbor to have,always willing to lend a helping hand.We are so sorry for your loss Tina,Leah & Anna
Phi Cure
May 11, 2021
I was shocked to learn of Tom´s passing. He was a regular at our softball games at Boynton Park years ago and joined us in a Zoom meeting earlier this year to reminisce. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a joy to be around. I am so sorry for your loss.
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