Kevin O'Connell

Kevin "OC" "Poppy" O'Connell of Brooksville, FL passed away on April 6, 2020. Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Claire; sister, Anne Hansen and husband Lloyd (Dunedin, FL); children, Debbi Mirra and fiancé David Johnson (Rockford, IL), Bethann Brooks (Brooksville, FL), Patrick Paul O'Connell and fiancé Alexa Staas (Springboro, OH); grandchildren, Aislinn Baker and husband Patrick (Brooksville, FL), Adam Mirra and wife Rachel (Birmingham, AL), Laura Osterhout and fiancé Mark Moffett (Brooksville, FL), Shannon O'Connell and fiancé Alex Jacob (Cincinnati, OH), PFC Erin O'Connell, US Army National Guard, (Springboro, OH), Allyson O'Connell (Springboro, OH), and Gavin O'Connell (Springboro, OH); and great grandchildren, Emma Baker and Paris Mirra. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Patricia O'Connell; brothers, Leo O'Connell and William O'Connell; sisters, Mary Rolston and Patricia Crawley; and granddaughter, Amanda Mirra.

He was born on February 26, 1939 in Bronx, NY. Kevin served in the United States Navy "Tin Can Sailor" where he attended culinary school and was also a boxer. He's a retired executive chef, former family restaurant owner and more recently, beloved substitute teacher in Hernando County. Kevin was a lifetime member of both the Knights of Columbus and DAV (Disabled American Veterans.) He loved reading, cooking, fishing, golfing and most importantly, spending time with his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date due to the current health restrictions worldwide. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Church of St. Mary Our Lady of Sorrows, Encouraging Words Ministries, Florida Cancer Specialists, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.