Thomas Patrick O'Connell

It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of Thomas Patrick O’Connell, age 83, who passed away peacefully and with dignity surrounded by his loving family on October 24, 2024, at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans.

Tom was such a special and selfless gentleman. He was deeply devoted and dedicated to a life of service and assistance to his country, community, family, and friends and would do anything for you.

Born and raised in Elgin, Illinois, Tom was the oldest of five children. At an early age, Tom was known for many admirable personality traits, especially his mischievous nature and sense of humor, which he spent his entire life perfecting to the benefit and enjoyment of all who knew him.

He was an Army veteran who proudly defended his country with his fellow servicemembers in Korea.

Ever the sports enthusiast, Tom loved participating in a variety of sports and was a loyal and enthusiastic fan, too. He cheered for the Chicago Bears, Notre Dame, and his beloved New Orleans Saints with gusto! He was a formidable high school (St. Edward Catholic High School) and college (St. Joseph’s College and Southern Illinois University; BS Mathematics) athlete who excelled in football and baseball, and he was a well-respected teammate. Tom was also an avid golfer and played golf with his many friends in Elgin, Illinois and the Chicago area. He loved boating and living on or near the water, which was a driving force to retire in Diamondhead. Immediately after settling into his new home with Barbara, he became a member of the Diamondhead Country Club and enjoyed playing golf with his new friends in the area and golf courses on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Tom’s love and enthusiasm for golf never wavered, and he could be found on the course regularly until recently, when his health no longer allowed him to participate in this rewarding and entertaining pastime with his friends.

One of Tom’s greatest passions was enriching the community, and he had an illustrious career at American City Bureau, the nation’s oldest and widely esteemed fund-raising firm. As a professional fund-raising consultant, his mission-driven efforts benefited Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding area by providing much needed fund development services to non-profit agencies in the religious, healthcare, civic, and human services sectors. He always felt a sense of honor and pride that his impeccable feasibility studies and consultant services helped organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and various hospital foundations provide critical support and services to countless individuals and families in need for the betterment of all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas G. O’Connell and Mary Margaret Mitchell, as well as his loving sisters, Mary Alice O’Connell, and Ellen O’Connell Pelnor.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Barbara Podliski O’Connell, who he married in 2000.

Tom is also survived by his cherished family and friends, who brought incredible joy and light to his and Barbara’s life: his brother, Richard O’Connell and his wife, Joy Piccolo O’Connell, and their children Thomas, Michael, Traci, Kristi, and Lori; Patricia O’Connell Altmin (late Dean Altmin) and their children Danielle, Lauren, and Jarrett. He will be dearly missed by his beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews, who all loved their “Uncle Tom” immensely. He will also be extremely missed by both the Beningo and Vignes families and all his wonderful relatives and friends who truly loved and admired him.

The family gratefully thanks the compassionate care provided by everyone at Ochsner Hospital and his extended team of caregivers.

To celebrate Tom’s life, the family invites you to a visitation at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, located at 9062 Kiln-Delisle Road in Pass Christian, Mississippi. All other arrangements are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Tom O’Connell to Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Philanthropy Department, 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, or to the Dr. Brooks Emory Pulmonary Endowed Fund, 1514 Jefferson Highway, Room 1E617, New Orleans, LA 70121.