| Graduation Year | Class of 1963 |
| Date of Birth | Oct 23, 2023 |
| Date of Passing | Sep 13, 1945 |
| About | Mike O’Connell passed peacefully on October 23rd, 2023, in the presence of his loving family. Mike was born in Reno, NV on September 13th, 1945. He attended Sparks High School, graduating in 1963. He then attended the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating in February of 1968, receiving his diploma and commission in the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant on the same day. After his branch school, he attended flight school then the Chinook Transition Course and Aircraft Maintenance Officers Course at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia. Mike arrived in Vietnam in September of 1969 and was assigned to C/159 Assault Support Helicopter Battalion (ASHB), call sign Playtex. After 3 months of flying operationally, he took over the 327 TC Detachment as Commanding Officer. Seven months later he became HHC, 159 ASHB Aircraft Maintenance Officer. Mike was honorably discharged in 1974 with the rank of Captain. During his tour, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Metal, and Air Combat Metal. After leaving the Army, he went to work for Consolidated Freightways Trucking Company and was with the company for 30 years, running the Northern California and Nevada Division his last 15 years with the company. He followed that with various transportation-related senior management positions before retiring in 2007. He was a life member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, Combat Helicopters Association, and the American Legion. In addition to being a proud family man, Mike was an avid golfer, reader, model ship builder, car enthusiast (specifically his 1955 Ford Thunderbird), and a strong supporter of the University of Nevada and his SF Giants and 49ers. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Carol. He is survived by his daughters Carey McKemy (David) and Darcy O’Connell, grandsons Ethan and Ryan McKemy, siblings Terrie Camenisch, Heather Zarubi, Daniel O’Connell (Tiana), and Roy O’Connell (Diane), brother-in-law Bill Money (Anita), as well as multiple nieces and nephews. A Military/Graveside Service for friends and family will be held Friday, November 17 at 10am at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Cemetery. The service will be followed by a reception at noon at Hidden Valley Country Club. |
