Jeffrey Daniel O'Connell
November 19, 1963 ~ March 29, 2020
Jeffrey Daniel O’Connell, CDR USN (Ret), of Vienna, VA, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at the age of 56 from complications related to cancer. Jeffrey (Jeff) is survived by his wife of 27 years, Janet O’Connell (Vaccaro), and their two children, Megan and Daniel, his parents, John and Teresa O’Connell, brothers Michael (Lisa) and David (Jean), and many other loving family members. Jeff grew up in Mountainside, New Jersey and Oak Brook, Illinois.
He was a proud graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy class of 1986. He received a Masters Degree from George Washington University. Jeff served with distinction as a Surface Warfare Officer receiving several medals. His service included time in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war and on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After active service, he continued in the Navy Reserves. He retired from the Navy in 2010. Jeff worked for over 20 years for Battelle Memorial Institute, a research and development organization. At Battelle, he served in leadership roles and made significant contributions to many defense and national security efforts. He spent the last several years working as Director of Business Development for Alternative Experts.
Jeff liked hiking, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed cooking and hosting gatherings for family and friends. He was a dog lover, movie buff, and appreciated good music. He was a devoted father. As his children grew, he was very active in their lives; coaching soccer and basketball and serving as a Boy Scout leader. He was a kind, thoughtful, and generous man who was always willing to do anything for others. He loved his wife, children, and entire family deeply and he was loved by all who knew him. Family and friends are comforted in knowing that life is eternal and love is everlasting. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor or the American Cancer Society. A memorial mass is planned for Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna, VA. If public health concerns are still ongoing, the mass may be rescheduled. There will be a private burial at a later date with military honors.
He was a proud graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy class of 1986. He received a Masters Degree from George Washington University. Jeff served with distinction as a Surface Warfare Officer receiving several medals. His service included time in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war and on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After active service, he continued in the Navy Reserves. He retired from the Navy in 2010. Jeff worked for over 20 years for Battelle Memorial Institute, a research and development organization. At Battelle, he served in leadership roles and made significant contributions to many defense and national security efforts. He spent the last several years working as Director of Business Development for Alternative Experts.
Jeff liked hiking, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed cooking and hosting gatherings for family and friends. He was a dog lover, movie buff, and appreciated good music. He was a devoted father. As his children grew, he was very active in their lives; coaching soccer and basketball and serving as a Boy Scout leader. He was a kind, thoughtful, and generous man who was always willing to do anything for others. He loved his wife, children, and entire family deeply and he was loved by all who knew him. Family and friends are comforted in knowing that life is eternal and love is everlasting. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor or the American Cancer Society. A memorial mass is planned for Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna, VA. If public health concerns are still ongoing, the mass may be rescheduled. There will be a private burial at a later date with military honors.
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Very sad to hear this news today! Of the Battelle Beltway Bandits, Jeff was my favorite. He could always be counted on during boring meetings to quietly sneak in a funny comment, or just basic common sense which was often missing. I’ll never forget when he got stuck renting a Kia Soul on one of his Columbus trips and had to drive by us just waving like a clown heading to the circus. Such a good sport! Cancers suck this is not fair. My deepest sympathy to his family. Know that we loved our time working with Jeff at Battelle. He was one of the good ones!
Janet and family – our 9th Co is heartbroken. So many memories. Sending love and prayers to all. Agnes & Jim
Couldn’t agree more Agnes. When Fran let me know I simply could not believe it. RIP dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all as well. Dan and Donna
Graduation Day 1986. 9th co party.
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We were so saddened to hear the news of Jeff passing away. We will be forever grateful for the friendship over the 22 years and treasure all of you. With all of our love. May God hold all of you in the palm of his hand. The Coppola Family
Jeff was a cherished member of our family. He always made us feel welcome and loved. We enjoyed his hospitality, witty sense of humor and his interest in our lives and the lives of our children. He was a special person, brother-in law and uncle. Our prayers are with the entire O’Connell family at this time. The Ferrell family.
Jeff was a great boss at Battelle. He taught me my first lessons in business and I think about his wisdom all the time. I would not be where I am without his guidance.
I served with Jeff on board the USS Rentz during his first sea duty and deployment to the Persian Gulf 1987-88 where we conducted Operation Earnest Will. Jeff was one of seven brand new Ensigns, right out of school, and each of them had to learn fast and grow up quick to handle the operations we dealt with in the Gulf. He had a fantastic sense of humor, that sneaky grin that told you something was up, and a fierce loyalty and devotion to his shipmates. He qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer during the deployment he made some very great friends and grateful shipmates along the way. It was an honor and a privilege to have been his commanding officer and to see him develop into a wonderful officer and a very good man. My sincerest condolences to all of his family and friends, he left us too soon but he has a wonderful legacy and memories for all of us who knew him. James A. Hooper, IV, Captain, USN Ret., Commanding Officer USS Rentz 1986- 1988
Our deepest sympathies for the entire family. We feel blessed to have met Jeff and spent time with him this past fall at the VMI parent’s weekend! We consider ourselves fortunate to have enjoyed all of his good cooking that he provided on the grill both for breakfast and lunch tailgating! Love to all.
Sending prayers to the O’Connell family. Jeff was a terrific man and it was great to have known him at Battelle. He was a great boss to have and I am forever in his debt for the help he gave me along the way. God Bless.