Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
DANIEL O'CONNELL Obituary
DANIEL J. O'CONNELL, CMSGT USAF (RET)
October 11, 2019
Daniel J. O'Connell, CMSGT USAF (Ret) passed away on October 11, 2019. His children Cindy (Max), Susan (Jay), Mark (Shari), Mary Danny, Doug (Robin) and Thea, twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, survive him. He is also survived by his brother David O'Connell (Patricia) of Kingston, MA, his goddaughter Donna Connolly, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dan was born in Dorchester, MA and grew up the projects of Roxbury. He joined the Air Force in December of 1950 and married Theanella Connolly in October of 1951. Thea preceded him in death.
After many stateside assignments and tours in Germany and Taiwan, Dan retired after 30 years. He was soon employed by Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Protocol. He retired from Protocol as the Director in 1991.
Dan was very involved in The Retired Enlisted Association on a local and national level. He was the President and manager of the local TREA, Chapter 1 on several different occasions. He was also involved in the Senior Citizens League, for which he was honored by the United States House of Representatives.
He loved to travel and visited Ireland, Sweden, Romania, Russia and of course, all over these United States.
"A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." L. Frank Baum
Our love for him is huge. He was a great dad. We will miss him forever.
All the O'Connell children would like to give a special thanks to the wonderful staff at MacKenzie Place, from the wait staff, who always found time to get him his treats and beer, to the extraordinary women in Memory Care. You truly went above and beyond to make dad's time there special. Our gratitude is unbounded.
A Memorial Mass will be held for Dan on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 N. Cascade Ave., 80907.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Mackenzie Place Employee Fund, 1605 Elm Creek View, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL O'CONNELL
John Henry - [email protected]
November 17, 2021
Going thru old documents and had a few with Dan's name. Googled and discovered the obit. Very sorry to hear. He was a great mentor and better friend.
Russ Heffernan
August 29, 2020
Just realized that we both grew up in Dorchester MA
Russ Heffernan
August 29, 2020
You were a great friend who helped me more times than I can count. I'll never forget the time we were at HQ ADC in the Chidlaw Building. RIP Old Friend.
Candi Thompson
October 19, 2019
I worked with Chief at the Peterson Air and Space Museum. What a heart for people and for the military! Thank you for your legacy and your service! My prayers for the family for peace beyond explanation!
Ed Cummings
October 18, 2019
So sad to have learned of Danny's passing. Back in the day, we played a lot of golf together and shared a ton of laughter. He was the best.
Thomas A. O'Connell
October 15, 2019
MAY HE ENJOY ETERNAL PEACE IN HEAVEN.
Eric Maxwell
October 15, 2019
RIP Grandpa O. You taught me many things throughout my life.
Shannon Benton
October 15, 2019
Dan was my boss when he was Chairman of TREA Senior Citizens League. He was an absolute pleasure to work for and he will be greatly missed!
Ann Harwood Besson
October 15, 2019
May the light of Christ continue to shine in the many ways that Chief O'Connell showed His love for people, place and country. RIP.
Bill & Jenny Houston
October 15, 2019
Dano touched our lives in so many wonderful ways. From his first San Antonio visit to see our first born in 1997 to our visit in 2017 to have a few cold ones with him at McKenzie Place, we are forever grateful to have known him. Our kids always looked forward to his huge smile & sounds with accompanying arms flapping! We know Dano will continue to watch over his beloved family with pride & joy! He was so very proud of each of you.
Rev Bob Kwiatkowski
October 15, 2019
On behalf of TREA, the Enlisted Association, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to your family. Dan will truly be missed at TREA. His efforts to keep TREA active are remembered by many. May you find that our Lord and Savior will strengthen and comfort you during this time of grieving.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in DANIEL O'CONNELL's name
Memorial Events
for DANIEL O'CONNELL
How to support DANIEL's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor DANIEL O'CONNELL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
