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Thomas O'Connell Obituary
Died: August 10, 2021 in Crest Hill, IL
Thomas Joseph O'Connell, age 88, of Crest Hill, IL, formerly of Chicago's Beverly neighborhood, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. He was born in Chicago, Illinois.
Beloved husband of the late Margaret O'Connell (nee Daley), whom he married September 21, 1957. Loving father of Thomas Jr. (Jean) O'Connell of Waukegan, Peggy (Don) DesPain of Collinsville, Timothy (Karen) O'Connell of Hawthorn Woods and Kathleen (Michael) O'Grady of Plainfield. Cherished Papa of Thomas III and Michael O'Connell; Donny (Miranda) DesPain and Meghan (Josh) Klaas; Lilly and Ryan O'Connell; Katelyn (Michael) O'Grady-Overmyer and Maggie, Michael and Erin O'Grady. Great-Papa of Emma, Ella and Holty, devoted son of the late William and Winifred (nee Moore) O'Connell. Brother of the late Bill (the late Pat)O'Connell, the late Dick (the late Marcella) O'Connell, Jack (the late Loretta)O'Connell, the late Ronnie O'Connell, the late Dan (Jean) O'Connell, and Ted(Debbie) O'Connell. Brother-in-law of Marilyn (the late Don) Thibeau, and the late Jack Daley, fond uncle and friend to many.
Tom attended St. Columbanus Grammar School and was a 1951 graduate of Leo High School. He attended Loyola University Chicago before enlisting in the US Army and later marrying and starting his family.
Tom joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1958, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant in the Fire Prevention Bureau. He was known nationally for his efforts in the area of public education, including development of his children's "Learn not to Burn" program, and establishment of the Illinois Burn Camp. Other efforts included Illinois' smoke detector and fire sprinkler legislation, and the creation of the Illinois FireFighters Memorial.
Faith and family played a key role in his life. He was ordained a Catholic Permanent Deacon in 1978, serving the parishes of St. Walter and later St. Mary Immaculate, through communion calls, baptisms, his Share Food (pantry) ministry, and his belovedCatholics Returning Home ministry.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 16, 2021, 3:00-8:00PM at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:00AM at St. Mary Immaculate. Private interment: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory may be made to: Misericordia Heart of Mercy. Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield, was entrusted with arrangements. For information, please call (815) 436-9221 or visitoverman-jones.com for a complete obituary.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O'Connell
Sponsored by Overman-Jones Funeral Home.
Mike Figolah
September 8, 2021
Thoughts and prayers to Tom and his family. I was fortunate to work closely with Tom and get to know him through the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. Preventing fire and burns were a deep passion for Tom and his commitment was contagious. In addition to his commitment to helping others he was truly a nice man. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Patricia Mieszala, RN
August 16, 2021
My heart is heavy this morning in learning of Lt. Tom O'Connell's passing. He was a kind and beloved mentor of mine since 1973 when we worked together, representing the Chicago Fire Dept. and Cook County Hospital Burn Unit, to bring fire and and burn prevention and safety to the people of Chicago and Illinois. Thank you, Tom for your kind, generous and gentle ways that introduced me to the great work of the fire service that continued through the years until today. Tom also volunteered to bring comfort and smiles to many burn unit survivors for many years. His faith and love of family was ever present. I have wonderful memories of this very special person in my life. Sending love, prayers and best wishes to his children, grand and great grand children, and all of his family and friends whose life was touched by this very special man. God Bless and Rest in Peace, Tom!
Jerry Schultz
August 16, 2021
My prayers are with the family. Tom was a tireless advocate for fire safety and made a difference in this world. He should be acknowledged by all of us for his efforts. Thank you, Tom!
Pat Mieszala, RN
August 16, 2021
Pat Mieszala, RN
August 16, 2021
Pat Mieszala, RN
August 16, 2021
My heart is heavy this morning in learning of Tom's passing. He was a kind and beloved mentor of mine since 1973 when we worked together, representing the Chicago Fire Dept. and Cook County Hospital Burn Unit, to bring fire and and burn prevention and safety to the people of Chicago and Illinois. Thank you, Tom for your kind, generous and gentle ways that introduced me to the great work of the fire service that continued through the years until today. Tom also volunteered to bring comfort and smiles to many burn unit survivors for many years. His faith and love of family was ever present. I have wonderful memories of this very special person in my life. Sending love, prayers and best wishes to his children, grand and great grand children, and all of his family and friends whose life was touched by this very special man. God Bless and Rest in Peace, Tom!
Jim and Mary Talken
August 15, 2021
Tom was an example of Christian living. He and Margaret were neighbors in Carillon Lakes and served St Mary's well. Prayers and blessings to you all in your loss.
Dorothy Curry
August 13, 2021
Deepest sympathies to Deacon Tom's family. I was privileged to be in his last class for 'Catholics Returning Home' and thanks to his ministry, and my friend Joan, I am now an active practicing Catholic. Deacon Tom is now peacefully in the arms of Jesus and resting in peace.
Peggy Moore
August 12, 2021
Know that your Dad is at peace and relieved of all his earthly burdens and enjoying the company of our Lord and in the arms of your Mom and happy to see all who had gone before him, and know he is looking down on all who love him hopping to ease your sorrow.
Sr. Rosemary & the Residents of Misericordia Home
August 12, 2021
Our sympathy and special prayers for Tom and all his family and friends.
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Overman-Jones Funeral Home15219 South Joliet Road, Plainfield, IL 60544
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