obit-thumbnail

Gerard (Rod) O'Connell

Date of Death: March 21, 2014
Visitation
Doyle B. Shaffer, Inc Funeral Home
45-09 Little Neck Parkway
Little Neck, NY 11362
Saturday 3/22, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Doyle B. Shaffer, Inc Funeral Home
45-09 Little Neck Parkway
Little Neck, NY 11362
Sunday 3/23, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Doyle B. Shaffer, Inc Funeral Home
45-09 Little Neck Parkway
Little Neck, NY 11362
Sunday 3/23, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Service
Calvary Cemetery
49-02 Laurel Hill Blvd.
Woodside, NY 11377
Monday 3/24
St. Anastasia Church
45-14 245 Street
Douglaston, NY 11362
Monday 3/24, 9:45 am

Gerard (Rod) O’Connell passed away on March 21, 2014. Long time resident of Douglaston and owner of Bryce Rea Realty. In lieu of flowers, we hope you will help us fund The Rod O’Connell Scholarship at Holy Cross High School. This scholarship will help provide a good education for a deserving music student. Rod lovedContinue Reading

Plant a tree in memory of Gerard (Rod)
An environmentally friendly option.
Annie Watt left a message on February 23, 2015:
Thinking of you brings a smile to my face. It's hard to believe you've been gone for almost a year! Miss you Rod and I know so many other friends do, too!
Jonathan left a message on April 8, 2014:
I am very sorry to hear about this loss! My name is Jonathan and I live in your neighborhood and I am delivering a comforting message to people. It's a promise from God at John 5:28,29 which promises that we will all see Gerard again very soon. I wish your family the best and hope you cope well. With love, Your neighbor Jonathan
Robin Buller left a message on March 31, 2014:
Dear Rod, I am so sad you have gone, and full of admiration for you (as always) for toughing it out at the end - not taking the treatment but fighting until the end. That's very typical of you and how I wish to remember you. You made a big impact on my life, the time I spent in New York allowed me to meet many people, but none more of a character than yourself, someone who made a difference, who was always funny, always thoughtful (the helicopter ride you bought me for my 50th Birthday) and the laughs you afforded me, and my friends. You have left many who will miss you. You were unique, and special and you brought a new perspective to life in New York that only you could do, with jovial and ironic humor. I shall never forget you, and am so glad we had a wonderful and fun filled dinner together when I was in New York last October. Thanks for being you and know that I shall always remember you with affection and respect for as long as I live. Cheers! My Dear Friend. RIP Big hugs, From Robin
Marlene Borovinov left a message on March 29, 2014:
My Dear Rod! I truly miss you, you left us too soon, there is not one day gone by that I don't think about you, I miss talking to you everyday, you were not only my boss, you were family. We shared so much day after day, side by side, the very best, the good, the bad, but no matter how tough the day was, you always said to me "Thank you for helping me sweetheart". You always stood out of all people by your amazing personality and your big heart of gold, those of us who got to know you were very lucky for having crossed paths with you. You will always be remembered and loved. May God rest your soul in peace. Forever in our hearts, Marlene Borovinov & Family
Matse Jenkins left a message on March 25, 2014:
The seventeen years we spent sharing an office and the journeys we undertook together will be forever etched in my heart and soul. Rod is likened to none other...a rarity he was. I will miss him forever.
Planning ahead is prudent. Call us now.
Pat Hennessy left a message on March 25, 2014:
Hi Roddy, I know you can hear us. I feel like a light has gone out of our world, but wherever you are now is a brighter, happier place because of your presence. Pat
Nancy Manfredonia left a message on March 22, 2014:
Dear Rod, My oldest and dearest friend. I can't imagine a world without you. Such wonderful memories. How I will miss you. All my love, Nancy
Bob Claudia Milder left a message on March 22, 2014:
Rod was a true gentleman in every respect. We can all take a lesson on what it means to be a "Loyal Friend and Counselor". His extended family reached literally all over the world. The Social Calendar he kept was a whirlwind throughout the year. God Rest Your Soul. Claudia & Bob Milder.
John E McGovern left a message on March 22, 2014:
Rod and I, Holy Cross High School classmates 57-61 remained connected over the years. In 1977 we reconnected for the first time after graduation when Rod and his mom appeared at my father's wake in Bayside; our parents had been friends since our high school days. Rod's wish that contributions be made to Holy Cross High School to honor a deserving music student stems from his involvement in the music program at the school. I had become principal of Holy Cross in 1975 and Rod's reconnection to the school began then and has remained foreverafter. He was a truly magnanimous person - never self-abosrbed but always more interested in the lives of the people he encountered. In that sense he was a blessing to everyone who knew him and the world is thereby a richer place. His many tributes post-mortem are but a shadow and reflection of the love experienced and shared throughout his life by all who knew him. RIP, Rod! Be with God and continue to bless us from your new home as only you can now do in a most unique way!
Larissa Van Duser left a message on March 22, 2014:
We will always remember Rod for his convivial friendship, generosity of spirit, and joie de vivre. We will miss him dearly! Larissa and John Van Duser
Ken Helaine left a message on March 21, 2014:
Rod, You always made us smile! xoxoxo K & H
Richard C. de Long left a message on March 21, 2014:
I shall miss you very much, my friend. God bless you and grant you eternal rest and give you wings and a great party when you arrive in Heaven. Love, Richard
Doyle B. Shaffer Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More