Thomas O'Connell

Born August 18, 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio he was the son of Anna M. Vik. He retired after 22 years as a Chief Petty Officer with the United States Navy, a proud veteran of World War II serving on the USS Suwannee, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was one of the first in the Navy to wear the United States Army Air Calvary 11th Air Assault Unit Badge. He had also retired from General Electric/Bell Helicopter where he worked as a Tech Rep and after retirement, moved to Loudonville as he enjoyed living out in the country. He also enjoyed collecting stamps and traveling.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas J. “Joe” II (Brenda) O’Connell of Mansfield and Timothy J. (Lottie) O’Connell of Savannah, GA; a grandson, Patrick O’Connell of Savannah, GA; a granddaughter, Phelan O’Connell of Savannah, GA; two sisters, Patty (John) Henning of Valley City, OH and Maxine (Jerry) Reid of Brookpark, OH; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A casual gathering for family and friends will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, August 30, 2012 at the Life Celebration Reception Center, 129 S. Main Street, Mansfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

As per Mr. O’Connell’s request, his cremated remains will be buried at sea by the United States Navy where full military honors will be conducted.