Robert Patrick O'Connell Obituary.
Published by Bevis Funeral Home.
He lived big, but he loved
bigger! Robert (Bob) Patrick O'Connell died peacefully with his daughter,
Cynthia, at his side in Bradenton, FL. and with his Rosary securely in his
hands. On Jan. 17, 2021, his prayer to be reunited with his wife was
granted.
Bob was born May 26, 1930, on the Southside of Chicago, Ill. He
was an accomplished athlete and multi-year captain in football and
wrestling at Tilden High School where he was honored with the Noble G.
Kizer - Most Valuable Player award in 1947. Following graduation, he
accepted a football scholarship to Indiana University. When his line coach
was recruited by a recently transformed all-women's college, he asked Bob
and two teammates if they'd like to, “move to sunny Florida where the
ratio of women to men was 10:1”? He immediately packed his bags for
Tallahassee, FL, enrolled in Florida State University, pledged Phi Delta
Theta, and rarely looked back! In 1950, he played as a center on FSU's
first undefeated football team, winning the Dixie Conference, and becoming
the first team to play at Doak S. Campbell stadium. While at FSU he met the
love of his life, Juliette (Julie) Mary Demetree. On Feb. 1, 1954, the day
after his graduation, Bob and Julie were married at Blessed Sacrament
Catholic Church. They were married 65 years and together raised six
children. Bob was proud to have served his country in the Army for two
years during the Korean War.
Like Julie, his faith was the most
important part of his life, followed by his love for her, their children,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. An exceptionally hard worker and
charismatic salesman, Bob was a shareholder in Tallahassee Grocery Company
and was loved by his clients. His passions were everything Irish and FSU!
The annual O'Connell St. Patrick's Day parties and legendary FSU tailgates
were as lively as he! When FSU played badly, he was perceived as a big,
loud bear. In reality, he was a big teddy bear who appreciated any kind
gesture made toward him, Julie, or his children. He was grateful for and
very fond of Julie's large, extended family who treated him as both family
and close friend. When not working, his time was primarily devoted to his
children and their many and varied activities. On Sundays ensuring their
religious education and attending Mass was his top priority. Additionally,
he was a member of FSU's Varsity Club and the Rotary Club.
Bob was
predeceased by Julie; his parents, Mae and Harry O'Connell, and his sister,
Alice O'Connell Klem. Also, his beloved son-in-law, William (Bill) D.
Brinton, his in-laws, Mr. & Mrs. George H. Demetree, and his brother and
sister-in-law George (Sonny) and Ruth Demetree. He is survived by his
children, Cathy Brinton, Cynthia Finney (Mark), Michael O'Connell, Juliette
Riley, Lisa Christopher (Reid), and Patrick O'Connell (Susan); 11
grandchildren, Quinn (Bob's mother's maiden name), Suzanne, Caroline,
Leslie, Ju¬lianna, Haley, Wade, Ryan, Peter, Sarah Catherine, and Sean; 13
great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Mike Klem, nephews Pat and Joe Klem,
and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Pat, Bob, Dad, Daddy, R.P. and Papa
is dearly missed.
