Thomas O'Connell, Sr.

Rensselaer, NY - Thomas John O'Connell, Sr, known by all as Tim, was the son of Thomas & Loretta O'Connell. He was born September 4, 1939. His father worked for Beverwyck Brewery and his mother's family lived on the 1000 Islands in the St. Lawrence.

The O'Connell's moved to Rensselaer after Tim was born and resided on Mann Avenue. Tim attended Rensselaer City Schools. He was a proud member of Ironworkers Local #12 and worked on large local union jobs such as the South Mall, and in other cities including the Washington DC Metro system and other projects in Oswego, Chicago and in Maine. Tim later owned Kapp's tavern in Rensselaer with his longtime friends and fellow Ironworkers Tim Sullivan Sr and Jr. from 1979-1997. Tim later worked for the city of Rensselaer DPW, and then in the New York State Assembly, where he retired. Tim enjoyed many years of part time work for the Rensselaer County Board of Elections during election season. In recent years he loved working in downtown Troy and got to know many neighbors downtown and on 4th Street.

On September 16, 1978, Tim married Geraldine "Sissy" Nardacci. Sissy passed away peacefully in July 2020. Tim and Sissy are the parents of Thomas J. O'Connell Jr, also of Rensselaer. Tim was the favorite brother-in-law, uncle and cousin to many, who all relished his stories and his realistic point of view. Tim had many friends and acquaintances in Albany and Rensselaer he met through business or from the community.

Tim attended First Baptist Church on Washington Avenue each and every Sunday for many years.

Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with the family on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 9am-10am at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. A funeral home service will be held at 10am. Burial to follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.