Deacon Thomas Joseph O’Connell, 88, died at his home in Crest Hill on Aug. 10. He was ordained in 1978 and served at St. Walter Parish before moving to the Diocese of Joliet, where he served at St. Mary Immaculate Parish.

Born in Chicago, he attended St. Columbanus School and Leo High School. He attended Loyola University Chicago before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He joined the Chicago Fire Department in 1958, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant in the Fire Prevention Bureau. He was known nationally for his efforts in public education, his “Learn Not to Burn” programs for young children and the establishment of the Illinois Burn Camp for children scarred by fire injuries.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret; his children Thomas O’Connell Jr., Peggy DesPain, Timothy O’Connell and Kathleen O’Grady; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and brothers Jack and Ted (Debbie) O’Connell.