Thomas Joseph O’Connell, Jr.

April 17, 1929 - July 1, 2012
Thomas Joseph O’Connell, Jr.

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Thomas J. O’Connell Jr, 83, passed away at his home, surrounded by family, on July 1, 2012. Mr. O’Connell was predeceased by his father Thomas J. O’Connell, his mother Ruth, and his brother Robert.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathleen (Dolan) O’Connell, sons Thomas Michael O’Connell of San Jose, California, his wife Elyse and their sons Thomas Michael Jr., Kevin, Aidan and Brendan, and a great grandson Thomas Ryan; Daniel O’Connell of Port Jefferson Station, New York and his wife Kathleen; daughter Mary O’Connell Gisonni of Palm Harbor, Florida and her children Christopher, Ryan and Kathleen; son Sean O’Connell of Wilmington, North Carolina, and his son Liam. He is also survived by sisters Ruth Targove and Patricia Campbell and brother Edward O’Connell.

Mr. O’Connell was born in the Bronx, NY and attended Power Memorial HS on a basketball scholarship. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, was honorably discharged as a Sergeant and joined the New York City Police Department. He attained the rank of Captain, as did his father before him, receiving numerous commendations, including the Medal of Honor, the highest accolade that the NYPD bestows upon its officers. Two sons and a grandson followed his career path to law enforcement. After retiring from the NYPD, he attended both Hofstra University and Hofstra Law School, became a member of the New York Bar, and practiced law for several years before retiring to Wilmington, North Carolina.

Mr. O’Connell’s retirement years were busy and productive. He was a founding member of the Wilmington 10-13 Club (retired NYPD officers), a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, an active member of the Marine Corps League (Detachment 1070), and involved in many community and civic activities. He was also an avid golfer and member of the Echo Farms Golf Club.

Mr O’Connell loved God, his country, his family and friends. He was beloved and will be missed by many.

The family will see friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel.

The funeral mass will be conducted 11 AM, July 5, 2012 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church by Father Bob Kus. Interment will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to Step Up For Soldiers, P.O. Box 2003, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to Step Up For Soldiers, P.O. Box 2003, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cemation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • July 02, 2012
    Stacy Culhane Armstrong says:
    Fondly remember our vistits at the "O'Connell Compound" in Hampton Bays. A full life on earth, an eternal life in heaven. Our thoughts and Prayers - Stacy, Jim, Erin and Robin Armstrong

  • July 03, 2012
    Barbara Lynch says:
    I will really miss Uncle Tom. He always made me feel special and made me laugh. My love to all of you during this difficult time, Barbara

  • July 02, 2012
    Sean P. O'Connell says:
    First of all it's Tom O'Connell, not Tom Dolan, Tom Dolan is my cousin and is alive and well. I will never forget my Father and hope that I can be half the man that he was. I aspire to raise my son as well as my Father raised me, rest in peace Dad, we will meet again, I love you, Sean Patrick Peter O'Connell

  • July 03, 2012
    john glica says:
    Danny, My prays go out to you and your family. Your father is a great man. I know he is your rock. He made you the man you are today. Its time to reflect on all he has given you. He lives on in you. Carry on my Friend, our fathers are with us everyday of our lives...Your Friend - John Glica

  • July 03, 2012
    Kristen Powell (Walmart pharmacy) says:
    My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family of Mr.O'Connell! He was one of the most precious men I've ever met and I always looked so forward to seeing him come in smiling, being loud and saying something funny and off the wall! I will truly miss him putting a smile on my face! Mrs. O'Connell Please continue to come see us as we love you just as much! God bless!