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Robert O'Connell Obituary

O'Connell, Robert J. Age 86, of Evanston formerly from Fairbanks, Alaska. Veteran U.S. Army Korean War. Distinguished law professor at Marquette University, Kent Law School and John Marshall Law School as well as a recreational pilot. Beloved brother of the late Franklin, Jr. M.D. (the late Mary Lou) O'Connell, the late Jerome M.D. (Ellen) O'Connell and the late Regina (the late James, Sr.) Nash; dear uncle of Thomas (Terri) O'Connell, Deirdre (Edmond) deVlam, Meg (Michael) Hawkins, John O'Connell, Anne O'Connell, M.D. (Ethan Kunz), Patricia O'Connell (Stephen Bell), Edward (Julie) O'Connell, Peter O'Connell, Catherine Nash, James, Jr. (Nancy) Nash, Maura (Ted) Kennedy and Regina Nash; fond great-uncle to many; will be greatly missed by friends in Finland, Northern Wisconsin, Alaska and the Amish Community. Visitation Saturday, February 15, 1:00 p.m. until time of funeral mass 2:00 p.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030. Funeral info. 847-675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert O'Connell

Not sure what to say?





Ari Turunen

February 6, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. I warmly remember times a spent in Evanston, Greeenwoodstreet 1207. Chigago.

Regards from a Finnish friend

Paul Finer

September 13, 2017

Professor O' Connell was a good man and a great teacher of Contracts, International Law and more. He brought Williston himself to Kent. Thank you for teaching me, Professor!
Paul Finer, Kent 70 to 74

Mario Martinez

January 1, 2016

"My condolences to all of Bob's Nephews, Nieces, Loved Ones and Friends. He was a Great Friend." May he RIP. Mario R. Martinez 12504 S. Ashland Ave. Calumet Park, IL 60827

John S

February 24, 2015

I was wondering what happened to my old contracts professor. It looks like I am a year too late. When I was a student I saw that he was the editor for The Air and Space Journal and struck up a conversation with him about it. This got me an invitation to fly in his plane to an airport in Watertown, Wisconsin. He was well known and liked at this airport as he was at JMLS. I also remember his wit and mastery of the English language. I tended to sit in back of the class. But frequently the front of the class would be laughing at some barely audible quip he would make regarding a case or a student's rendition of what the case was all about. After class those of us who sat in back would have to ask those who sat in front what he said that was so funny. I am glad to see from these posts that he had a long, active and interesting life. Rest in Peace Professor.

Bill Barasha

March 6, 2014

To Bob's Nephews, Nieces, and Loved Ones, I am so sorry to have just learned of Bob's passing. I feel privileged and blessed to have known your Uncle, who I first met at the John Marshall Law School. "Professor O'Connell" was truly a good, kind, and honorable man. Sincerely, Bill Barasha

Ari Turunen

February 20, 2014

My condolences for the loss of Robert J. O'Connell.
I´ve met Bob many times in Chigago and in Finland. We were friends and I miss him.

David Shannon

February 17, 2014

Professor O'Connell taught me Contracts II at John Marshall Law School. That must have been in 1988, but I still have very clear memories of the class. I had some experience in private planes, and when Professor O'Connell mentioned that he was pilot, I asked if he wouldn't mind taking me up in his plane. I forget where we took of from, but we flew to a small field in Wisconsin, where he was well known. Upon landing, he borrowed a car from somebody and we headed to a local ice cream parlor for milkshakes from the Dairy State. The professor was kind enough, or reckless enough, to let me take the controls of the plane for a while. He was an excellent teacher, and I still remember the lessons he taught us in Contracts II.

February 15, 2014

My condolences for the loss of Robert J. O'Connell. Keeping in mind the scriptural hope of everlasting life. An help to sustain you during this difficult time John 17:3
Sincerely
Janice

February 14, 2014

My condolences to the Nash/O'Connell family on the loss of their Uncle Bob. From the stories I was told about him, he seemed to be a very intelligent and accomplished person.

Mary & Bill Staebler

February 14, 2014

Our sympathy to the O'Connell family-Bob was a talented and bright man, and we enjoyed getting to know him over the years when he visited in Iowa. Very sorry for this loss.

February 14, 2014

Annette (Dolan) Simonson sends condolences to the O'Connell Family on the passing of Bob. We loved his visits to Iowa to share in our family events. He was a part of our families here and we will miss him but know he is in his heavenly home with the rest of the family!! Much love and prayers to you all. A Mass will be said here in Iowa for him. Love to all!!

Gloria Slagle

February 13, 2014

Bob lived in Alaska for many of his recent years. Our son met him at the Ski Hill on post (where he worked) and introduced Bob to us. Bob was the first person to purchase a lift ticket every season. He usually did at least 8 runs a day up until two years ago. He swam a mile every day too. Bob was a guest in our home many times. We loved his stories and his keen wit. He was a gourmet cook and a true gentleman. His first passion was flying up here in Alaska and it connected him to many new friends all over the state. We will miss you, Bob, thanks for all the love you gave to so many up here in the frozen north.

Robert (Bob) Pasquesi

February 13, 2014

Here I am again. His Dad and brothers Frank, JR. and Jerome delivered all 10 of our children. Thanks to the family.

Robert (Bob) Pasquesi

February 13, 2014

I meet Bob in the Abington where I had the privilege of bringing him Jesus in Communion almost every day. We spoke and joked about us being both Bob and there are few Bobs around. A good man who loved his work as a lawyer.
Sorry I can't make the funeral. I will be in Fort Wayne for a funeral.

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Memorial Events
for Robert O'Connell

Feb

15

Visitation

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

Feb

15

Funeral Mass

2:30 p.m.

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

Funeral services provided by:

Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

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