Tom O'Connell, age 54, of Grandville, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Friday, July 3, 2015. Tom was born in Toledo, Ohio and graduated from East Kentwood High School in 1979. He spent most of life working in sporting goods, most recently at Holwerda-Snoap Sporting Goods in Grand Rapids. Tom and his wife Robin, of 27 years, shared a beautiful love story that will never end. He was also an incredibly loving and proud father to his daughters, Brynne and Jason Dika, and Carly O'Connell. Tom was passionate about serving in youth ministry and was an advocate for mental health. He will be remembered for his extraordinary kindness, humor, selflessness, and strong faith, and was a huge encourager to those around him. Some of his favorite things included his beloved pets, sports/exercise, and Mountain Dew. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Barney O'Connell and sister, Susan O'Connell. In addition to his wife and daughters, he will be lovingly remembered by his supportive mother, Bee O'Connell; brother, Tim and Carol O'Connell; sisters, Shannon and Skip Walker, Terri and Rick Louder; and several nieces and nephews. His family would like to thank his compassionate and skilled doctors for their exceptional care: Dr. Oliver Grin, Dr. Bryan Figueroa, Dr. Wendy Sherman, and Dr. W. Christian VandenBerg. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Tuesday, July 7, from 12-2 and 5-7pm at Mars Hill Bible Church, 3501 Fairlanes Ave. SW, Grandville. A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Wednesday, July 8, at 11am at Mars Hill Bible Church. Due to construction, please use the entrance off of 36th Street by the Holiday Inn Express.Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan or Mars Hill Bible Church.

Matthew 25:21 "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Leave Your Tribute Message

July 12, 2015 6:19am
Dear Robin and family, I am so sorry for your loss and can only think fondly of Tom when I first met him as a new teacher in Grandville. he was always smiling and inviting as I began my years as West Elementary and always such a bright light. My prayers are with you all Julie cook

- Julie cook

July 08, 2015 6:59am
Robin & family, Our hearts go out to you with prayers for strength as you continue the good works Tom lived each day. Anthem anchors our kids in such supportive and relevant ways, and we are so blessed by Tom's service to countless Mars Hill youth leaders. Praying Peace for you ~ Jodi & Jack Chance

- Jodi Chance

July 08, 2015 3:48am
My deepest sympathy to the O'Connell family. As a friend of Terri, I know that Tom had to be a terrific, compassionate, generous person. So hard to lose someone who is so young.

- Camille Dandurand

July 07, 2015 6:54pm
I'm very thankful I got to know Tom through serving with him in Anthem. His passion for students was awesome and his positive approach to life was inspiring. He was a truly great man who will be missed, but not forgotten. Robin, Brynne, Carly, and Jason - I've been praying and will continue to keep you in my prayers. Grace and peace.

- Darcy Porter

July 07, 2015 4:54am
Robin, Carly, Brynne and Jason, Al and I are truly saddened by your loss. We only met Tom at your wedding but we knew what a wonderful husband, father and man he was. You are in our hearts.

- Al Dika and Cynthia Rutherford

July 06, 2015 8:15pm
Robin and family so sorry for your loss. Praying for you.

- Barb Velthouse

July 06, 2015 4:47pm
Robin, Carly and Brynne I am so sorry for you loss. Tom was a wonderful human being and he sure fought a courageous battle.

- Rich Doyle

July 06, 2015 2:55pm
I was part of the beginning of this love story. Robin and I were roommates and would eagerly look out our window at the cute boys living downstairs. Eventually, boldly, we asked THEM out. It was clear from the beginning there was something special between Robin and Tom, We had many crazy adventures including a midnight run to create our version of Hands Across America called "Hands Across Lake Michigan." I sadly lost contact with my friends for many years. It is clear that their love story is one we all aspire to find. It is also clear that Robin and Tom are have been surrounded by the most amazing friends, family and daughters! I give to you all my prayers, my love and wish for peace. Heaven has received a new number one angel and he is watching over all of you. God bless you all!

- Amy (Harper) Turik

July 06, 2015 11:40am
Tom was one of the first people I met at Mars Hill. He would greet me with a big smile and we seemed to connect easily with our love for the mission at Mars Hill. He had so much passion and love for God. My heart is heavy with his death. He is going to be missed for a very long time.

- Mary Fosburg

July 06, 2015 7:31am
Robin & Family --- so very sorry for this loss. Praying for you all.

- Steve Harper

July 06, 2015 6:52am
Robin and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you. Sincerely, Chris Vezino

- Chris Vezino

July 06, 2015 6:03am
We're friends of Terri & Rick so have been blessed to know the faith of Tom's family and the love shared by all of you. May angels light your paths in the days ahead just as they lit Tom's on his journey home. God bless!

- John & Shelby Fleck, Columbus, Ohio

July 06, 2015 5:43am
My sympathy goes out to the entire O'Connell family who lost a wonderful son, husband, father, brother and uncle. RIP Tom.

- Barb Kepler

July 06, 2015 5:30am
I am heartsick to hear about Tommy. He was my brothers' best friend since they were little. My prayers are with you. May the Lord give you peace during this sad time.

- Kim Wening Maros

July 06, 2015 4:43am
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. So sorry for your loss.

- Jerry Scanlon

July 06, 2015 2:58am
What a great guy. Too young and sweet to be gone. My heart aches for the family. Peace.

- Kathy Needham

July 05, 2015 5:07pm
Robin,Byrne,and Carly, Our thoughts and prayers are with during this difficult time.

- Tom and Luann Kelly

July 05, 2015 4:35pm
Robin, Brynne and Carly, our prayers are with you this week, and always. God bless you all!

- Doug and Mary Redick

July 05, 2015 3:36pm
Robin & girls. My heart and prayers go out to you. Many prayers are originationg from the members of CLC. God bless.

- Donna Garen

July 05, 2015 2:37pm
Tommy and I grew up together, we played wiffle ball, Olympic sports that Tim oversaw. I will always remember Tommy for his kindness and thoughtfulness of others. I as well as my family pray for tommy and all of the O'Connell family

- doug kelly




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