John "Jack" Michael O'Connell

John Michael O’Connell (“Jack”), 80, passed away surrounded by his family in St Petersburg, FL, on November 23, 2020. Jack is survived by his children Megan (Greg Hanson) of Hillsborough, NC; Justin of Charleston, SC; Brendan (Lora) of Denver, CO; and Caryn (Nate Florin) of Durham; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maureen; his parents, Catherine and John O’Connell; and his three siblings, Marianne Hull, Elizabeth Beyma, and James O’Connell. Aways an adventurer, Jack took his family to live in many places: Hawai’i, California, Maryland, Virginia, D.C., North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Taiwan. A decorated Marine Corps officer, pilot, and veteran awarded two Purple Heart medals, Jack was fearless in the skies and on the seas. After retirement from piloting, aerospace, defense, and systems management careers, he excelled at competitive sailing. He served with the St. Petersburg Sailing Association as commodore and on race committees, and generously mentored novice sailors. A true Irish tenor, Jack learned to sing as a little boy while washing dishes with his father; if a song was played on the radio between 1940 and 1980, he could sing it. Jack continued to sing and play guitar during his time at Mt. St. Mary’s College, with Maureen and friends around campfires, back yards, and living rooms, and with his family at home. Gentle and courteous, with an understated wit and an apt quote for every occasion, Jack was a playful, loyal, and supportive father, son, husband, and friend. Fair winds and following seas, dear Dad. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freedom Sailing Camp of Florida: http://www.freedomsailingcampoffloridainc.com/contact.html