Robert Charles Oconnell

Robert Charles OConnell, 83, of Toledo, passed away November 5, 2014 at Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek. He was born in Toledo on February 11, 1931 to the late John and Mabel (Peth) OConnell. A 1949 graduate of Central Catholic High School, Bob served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the USS Missouri. He earned his Bachelors degree in business and Masters in education from the University of Toledo. Bob was a passionate and enthusiastic history teacher. He began his career at Rogers High School, teaching for 7 years. He then taught at Ottawa Hills High School for 23 years before retirement in 1988. Bob coached boys and girls tennis at both Rogers and Ottawa Hills and had a tennis player qualify for state in 28 consecutive years. The Ottawa Hills High School tennis courts have been dedicated to his name and Bob was inducted into the OHSAA Coaches Hall of Fame. He also coached the Ottawa Hills High School varsity girls basketball team. Bob served as a tennis pro at Sylvania Country Club and Carranor Club in Perrysburg for many years. In retirement, he and his wife owned and operated All Ireland Graphics for 20 years, specializing in Irish t-shirts and sweatshirts. He loved to travel and spent a year teaching in Annecy, France. Bob was a music enthusiast, especially jazz and Irish folk music, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Jean (Irmen) OConnell; children, Kevin (Debra) OConnell and Anne (Ted) Gullia; six grandchildren, Kevin, Jr. (Molly) OConnell, James OConnell, Kelly (Jason) Rickey, Robert, Claire and Ben Gullia; three great-grandchildren, Charlie, Rory, and Emma; and sister-in-law, Sue OConnell. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jack. Friends and family may visit Friday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Marygrove), 1748 Raab Rd., Swanton (please meet at church). Burial will follow in the parish cemetery with military rites provided by the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the UT Foundation Parkinsons Fund. A special thank you to the staff of Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek and medical director, Dr. Murthy Gokula; the staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio; Dr. John Valade; and to Dr. Lawrence Elmer of the UT Parkinsons Program and his wonderful staff for their continual care and support through the years.