Michael T. O'Connell

Michael T. O'Connell of Catonsville, MD, died Tuesday, August 6th peacefully at home. Mike was born on September 2nd, 1946 in Baltimore, the son of the late Frederick J. O'Connell and the late Mary Jane O'Connell (nee Peters.)

Mike graduated from Mount Saint Joseph High School, then pursued a music career playing bass for a local band called Cherry Smash in the late Sixties and early Seventies until he switched fields and became a respiratory therapist for over 30 years. Upon retiring, Mike volunteered at the National Aquarium in Baltimore for 20 years.

Mike had many hobbies, including acting in community theater for many years. It was at Theatre Hopkins where he met his wife, Suzanne Straughn Pratt.

Mike is survived by his wife, Suzanne Pratt O'Connell; daughter, Shannon Gallagher (husband Mark Conley); and son, Matthew O'Connell (wife Becky). He was a doting grandfather to Katherine Gallagher and Ryan O'Connell.

Family and friends may gather at Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 for a visitation on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM with a funeral service taking place at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, 3480 St. Johns Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to The Baltimore National Aquarium .