Tributes flow for beloved Hunter Valley dad Dean O’Connell

A Hunter Valley dad who died unexpectedly at the age of 38 is being remembered as a “positive role model”, an instrumental member of his local footy club and “an amazing person taken way too soon”. Read the tributes.

Dean O'Connell with his wife Gillian O'Connell. Picture: Supplied.

A Hunter Valley dad who died unexpectedly at the age of 38 is being remembered as a “positive role model”, an instrumental member of his local footy club and “an amazing person taken way too soon”.

Tributes are flowing for Dean O’Connell after his sudden death on June 6.

He leaves behind his wife of seven years, Gillian, and his daughter Ava.

Mr O’Connell has been described as a “devoted husband” to Gillian and a “dedicated father to Ava.”

He was ingrained in the broader community as a valued member of Maitland Pickers Rugby League Club, where his wife was also involved.

Dean O'Connell pictured with wife, Gillian O'Connell and daughter, Ava. Picture: Supplied.

Mrs O’Connell shared a personal anecdote about the couple’s relationship and their holidays.

“Dean would book yearly holidays to Urunga and Queensland and spend time researching the best waterfall and walks for us to do as a family,” she said.

“The last one he took us on was the Crystal Shower Falls Walk in Dorrigo this past Easter.

“We had a great time together and saw some amazing waterfalls.

“He planned our holidays, weekends and made sure we were always happy... he always had a smile on his face and always made a good time out of a not-so-good situation.”

Mrs O’Connell said her husband always supported the community as much as he possibly could and “one of those ways was participating in charity golf days”.

Dean O'Connell was a loving family man. Picture: Supplied.

“He has participated in the Harry Maine Golf Day, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Golf days … he would put money into raffles and give it straight back … he was very generous,” she said.

Mr O’Connell would also cheer on his daughter on weekends at her netball games.

“On a Saturday, Dean and Gill would be found at Maitland Park watching Ava play netball for Maitland Rugby Blacks Netball Club,” a fundraiser read.

In the wake of the tragedy, the community has rallied around the family.

Peter Mortimer, GoFundMe organiser, said Mr O’Connell was “valued and loved community member”, especially in the Maitland Pickers Rugby League Club.

“Dean was like a brother to many people and you could not go anywhere without him knowing someone,” Mr Mortimer said.

Dean O'Connell pictured with friends. Photo supplied by GoFundMe organiser.

“To sum Dean up in one word, using one of his favourite words, ‘legend’ comes to mind.

“We would like to give Dean a respectful service that celebrates who he was and how much he was loved.”

Mr O’Connell’s GoFundMe can be seen here.

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Originally published as Tributes flow for beloved Hunter Valley dad Dean O’Connell