Obituary and Celebration of Life for Sean M. O’Connell ’88, MS’92
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Sean Mitchell O’Connell, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend on June 10, 2023.
Sean was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 24, 1958, son of David L. and Harriet E. (Lynch) O’Connell, who preceded him in death.
Sean received his graduate degree from the Wisconsin School of Business master’s in real estate program and had a successful 30-year career with Securian Financial in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was CIO of Minnesota Life Insurance Company and Securian Life Insurance Company and President of Securian Asset Management.
There is no way to describe Sean’s deep and enduring love for his family. He was a proud father and devoted husband, who cherished time at the cabin and outside with family and friends. Sean was a music lover and a traveler, a brilliant man with a wry sense of humor and an easygoing approach to life. He was loyal, honest, hard working, and someone who could be counted on. He was “true to the core,” and his passing leaves a tremendous hole in our hearts.
He leaves behind, his wife of 26 years, Belinda (Simmons) O’Connell; children Fiona A. O’Connell and Rowan E. O’Connell; brothers Kevin M. O’Connell (partner Quinn Callahan) and Padraic R. O’Connell; and many dear friends and colleagues from across the country.
A celebration of Sean’s life was held on July 21, 2023, at the Pyle Center, in Madison, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Sean M. O’Connell Wisconsin School of Business Master of Real Estate Program Memorial Scholarship; contributions can be made online at supportuw.org/giveto/oconnellmemorial.
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