![Michael O'Connell](/tribute-images/716/Ultra/Michael-O-Connell.jpg)
Obituary
Obituary of Michael O'Connell
Please share a memory of Michael to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
Michael O'Connell, 34 of Merrick passed away on June 25th after a courageous battle with Cancer.
He is predeceased by his Papa, Patrick O'Connell and survived by his parents, Lauren & Paul Ries, his Nana, Mary O'Connell, Aunt Elizabeth, siblings – Kevin & Stephanie and numerous Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. Also survived by his amazing group of friends from all over who he loved dearly.
Michael truly had a gift of connecting with people, understanding them, and making them smile and laugh no matter what. He was a light, a joy, and a burst of energy to all who knew him. He literally lit up a room when he entered. His energy was like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. He spread joy and happiness wherever he went.
He lived his short life to the fullest and brought us all along for the adventures he experienced. We will all miss his infectious laugh and bright smile.
When first diagnosed with Cancer, he remained positive, strong, and brave. He did not let his illness stop him from creating new and fun memories with friends and family plus always making new friends along the way.
Although he loved NY, especially his hometown of Merrick, he moved to Maui HI in 2016 and experienced some of the happiest times of his life. He lived and worked there for several years. He returned home for treatment last year but tragically that same year the Lahaina wildfires took his home and job.
Despite his diagnosis and this tragic loss, he threw himself into a Lahaina Strong T-Shirt project that helped him cope and raise money for his beloved community.
Michael taught us how to live in the moment, talk and listen to people and experience new places and things. Stay positive and try not to think too far ahead.
For all of those who were impacted by his Spirit, his Charm and his Energy, may you carry on and LIVE in his honor. He will be missed and remembered forever.
Please consider memorial donations to the following who provided Michael and the family care and compassion.
Giving.mskcc.org
HospiceMaui.org
CatholicHealthLI.org
*Also please consider donating to the Hawaii Community Foundation to support Lahaina – www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org
Memorial Visitation at Walker Funeral Home – 2039 Merrick Avenue Merrick, NY
Sunday June 30, 2024 2pm-4 pm and pm7-9pm
Monday, July 1, 4pm-8pm
Private Cremation
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael O'Connell, please visit Tribute Store
Sunday
30
June
Memorial Visitation at Funeral Home
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunday, June 30, 2024
N. F. Walker, Inc.
2039 Merrick Avenue
Merrick, New York, United States
Need Directions?
Sunday
30
June
Visitation
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sunday, June 30, 2024
N. F. Walker, Inc.
2039 Merrick Avenue
Merrick, New York, United States
Need Directions?
Monday
1
July
Visitation
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Monday, July 1, 2024
N. F. Walker, Inc.
2039 Merrick Avenue
Merrick, New York, United States
Need Directions?
Monday
1
July
Funeral Service
7:30 pm
Monday, July 1, 2024
N. F. Walker, Inc.
2039 Merrick Avenue
Merrick, New York, United States
Need Directions?
Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event
Ongoing
Online Event
About this Event
![Michael O'Connell](/tribute-images/716/Ultra/Michael-O-Connell.jpg)
In Loving Memory
Michael O'Connell
1990 - 2024
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Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book.
about us
The N. F. Walker Funeral Home takes pride in providing a family with a unique blend of dignity, tradition and understanding. Our business is conducted in the New York Metropolitan, Long Island and Westchester areas.