Neal Holley O'Connell

1927 - 2024

Mystic - Neal Holley O'Connell, 97, of Mystic, passed away Aug. 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born July 22, 1927, to the late Anita Holley and Neal C. O'Connell of West Hartford. He is predeceased by his wife Alice Hall O'Connell; and his daughter Susan Robertson O'Connell, both of Mystic. Neal was born in Bristol, and raised in West Hartford.

He attended Wilbraham Academy, graduating in 1945. After a short time in the U.S. Army Air Force, he attended Yale University, graduating in 1950. After graduating from Yale and getting married, he embarked on his 38-year career with Aetna Life and Casualty.

His family and friends were what was most important to him. One of his fondest memories was with his father as the two of them built the family cottage on Leetes Island in Guilford. Here is where many memories were created with four generations of O'Connells enjoying the Cottage. He was also very proud of the time he spent with his son rebuilding his sailboat "Checkered Demon." This project was a labor of love spanning two years from start to finish. Once completed, he enjoyed racing "Checkered Demon" with his son. While raising his family, he became an avid sailor and skier. Enjoying many family trips north in the winter to ski. He especially enjoyed skiing with his grandson. Family summers were spent in Noank, where he and his son raced their sailboat "Dundee." When not racing "Dundee," he and Alice spent many summers cruising with the family and in later years, cruising with his son, daughter-in-law and grandson OJ - memories that he cherished. Shortly before retiring, he and Alice moved to Mystic where they remained until their deaths.

Neal was an honorary member of the Baldwin Yacht Club where he was commodore, the Off Soundings Club where he served as secretary for many years, Shennecossett Yacht Club and finally, the Ram Island Yacht Club where he enjoyed many years volunteering for various projects. Ram Island Yacht Club became a very special place to him, and he enjoyed all it had to offer. A lifetime member of the Mystic Seaport Museum, he spent many years volunteering on the waterfront and was a long-time member of the Pilot Program.

Neal is survived by his son Neal S. O'Connell and daughter-in-law Lawry and grandson Neal S. O'Connell Jr.; sister Gail Macbeth; and dear friend Pat Leuthner. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

Neal was a gentle soul who cared deeply for those around him. He often said that he didn't want folks around him to mourn his death but to celebrate the memories. Neal will be missed by many. The family would like to thank the staff at Avalon Health Center for the exceptional care that Neal received while living there. They provided Neal with compassion, love and respect.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Ram Island Yacht Club, 60 Front Street, Groton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ames Fund, Ram Island Yacht Club, 60 Front St., Groton Ct. 06340 or a charity of your choice. Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, is assisting the family.