O'CONNELL, Thomas C

Pioneer Press (St Paul MN) Sunday, April 15, 2012 Thomas C O'Connell, Maple Plain, died April 10 in Boca Raton, following a cerebral incident, while at sea in the Lesser Netherlands Antilles. An ardent traveler, Mr O'Connell departed this world in the manner in which he lived with his face to the wind, his sights to the sky, and his mind to posterity. Mr O'Connell grew up in Westchester County, New York during the golden age of Jazz and he possessed the spirit of optimism and adventure that characterized the era. At age 15 he won a football scholarship to Iona Preparatory Academy, followed by a scholarship to Georgetown University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in marketing and finance. Mr O'Connell entered the business world as a corporate manager for General Electric, later for Booz, Allen & Hamilton, and Continental Can, and served as vice-president for trade and acquisitions at General Mills. He was founder and CEO of Northstar Industries Inc, a Minneapolis group that emerged from the General Mills acquisition function. Graduate studies at the Wharton School of Management, University of Pennsylvania, with a thesis in international finance, propelled Mr O'Connell to a significant role in the field of corporate mergers and acquisitions. His business skills were inspired by his early adolescent experiences where he learned to stay low, hit hard, move fast, and believe in hard work and total commitment to worthwhile goals. He is survived by his loving partner, Alison Brion; his children, Tom (Janice), Timothy (Jim Ingli), Brian (Patti), Dan, Kathleen Sereda (Gorden), Karen Wheaton (Chris), and Jake. He is also survived by his former wife, Claire, of Edina. Mr O'Connell's brother, Jack and Dennis of New york, fondly remember their childhood experiences and their proud Irish heritage. Mr O'Connell was predeceased by his parents, Thomas M and Louise, and brother, Don. Grandchildren include Katie, Kevin, Jenna, Lindsay, Ryan, Christopher, Siobhan, and Teagan. In addition to professional achievements, Mr O'Connell was a man of intellectual interests, a student of classic literature and music, and an advocate for social justice. A man of varied interests and high energy. Mr O'Connell pursued sports, wildlife, hunting, and conservation. Gardening and woodworking were hobbies that brought him pleasure and relaxation. An avid student of history, Mr O'Connell was a devotee of Jeffersonian philosophy and an analytical thinker who examined theories of politics and government. His memberships, stemming from a passion for horsemanship, included the Poor Boys Camp of Caballeros del Norte and the Charlie Russell Riders. He looked forward to annual rides in Wickenburg, AZ and Big Sky, MT. Tardee Impressive, a quarter horse of distinguished lineage, was foaled at Rice Lake Ranch and went on to become a two-time world champion. Mr O'Connell was proud of his contributions to the Delano Lions Club, the Wayzata Rotary, and his commitment to sobriety as a 30-year member of Alcholics Anonymous. His work in amicus, helping inmates and ex-offenders reshape their lives, was an important part of his community vision. Mr O'Connell served as chairman of the Board of Trustees at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Memorials are requested to Union Gospel Mission, 77 East 9th Street, St Paul, MN 55101 or to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis. Services will be held at the Lakewood Memorial Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Avenue, Saturday, April 21 at 12:15 with visitation beginning at 11:30. Interment and social gathering immediately following service. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata.