Kevin J. O'Connell

Kevin Joseph O’Connell, 73, of Des Plaines, Illinois passed away peacefully in his home on September 5, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Signs displayed “KO Strong” on his street and people wore bracelets with the same for the last year. Kevin was a proud father, grandfather, partner and community leader and his presence will be deeply missed.

Kevin was born in Glenview, Illinois on March 15, 1953, to Francis and John O’Connell. Brother to John O’Connell (Lynn), Michael O’Connell (Jodie), James O’Connell (Rose) and Kathy Wallace (David). He grew up in Glenview and eventually moved to Des Plaines. He resided in Des Plaines since the early 80s and remained there until his death. He is survived by three daughters, Melissa Samp (Steven), Meghan Richardson (Chris) and Margaret Jump (Austin). He was a devoted and present grandfather to Martin, Tegan, Taylor, Tinsley and Blue. You would see him often on the sidelines of Maine West, dance recitals and gymnastics meets cheering on Marty and the Ts. He was a devoted partner to his fiancé Tamara Girten.

Kevin served his community for over 40 years in law enforcement. He was a Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy for a brief stint and became a member of the Des Plaines Police Department. He rose to the rank of Commander. During this time, he was a long time Director of Major Case Assistance Team which served the northwest suburbs and solved the most serious violent crimes. After retiring from Des Plaines after almost 30 years, he became the Chief of the Illinois Attorney General Police Department. He assisted smaller jurisdictions with major crimes all over the state of Illinois. After almost a decade with the AGs office we worked for Harlem Irving Properties. He was the head of security for Harlem Irving Plaza and other properties. After a brief 5-month retirement, he worked as a court deputy for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office where was employed until his death.

Kevin was a fierce advocate for veterans. He was a former Sons of the American Legion Squadron 36 Commander and Illinois State Commander (2022-2023). At the time of his death, he was a proud member of the National Executive Committee. He created Flags for Vets which draws over 600 volunteers every year to plant thousands of flags on the gravestones of veterans every year. His initiatives created memorials, funding and recognition for veterans in Des Plaines and across Illinois. His motto for his tenure as State Commander, “Got Your 6” embodied his life legacy. No one is left behind. Kevin also took a call from a struggling veteran, officer or anyone struggling with PTSD at any time day or night. At the time of his death he was working to help build a statute at Lake Park in Des Plaines to memorialize those in law enforcement and veterans who lost their life to PTSD. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kevin's name to American Legion Post 36, 1291 Oakwood Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60016, americanlegion36@gmail.com, to support this goal of his.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 14, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a time of service by the Sons of the American Legion at 7:00 pm, G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. A funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove St., Glenview, Illinois. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.