Steven (Steve) Scott O’Connell (age 63) passed away in his sleep on February 25, 2024, from an unknown medical condition, in St. James, NC. Born to the late Joseph M. O’Connell and Kathleen Irwin O’Connell on August 8,1960, he was raised and lived in Chester, New Jersey until he graduated from West Morris Central High School where he participated in soccer, baseball, marching band and was class of 1978 Valedictorian.

Steven furthered his education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelors degree in Computer And System Engineering. While there he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa as well as Phi Mu Delta Fraternity and played in a Jazz Ensemble group. He continued his education with a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in 1983. His dedication and hard work followed him throughout his career. He worked as a Research Engineer for Korg R&D for a combined 15 years, where he developed and registered 2 US patents. In 1997 he branched out to become CEO/Developer of his own software company BitHeadz Inc., where he continued to combine his love of computers with his love of music to create music software. He remained a highly respected boss and colleague throughout his career in the computer industry until he retired from Bay Computing based in Rhode Island in 2020. In 2021, Steve moved with his wife to St. James Plantation in Southport, NC after retiring.

In 1991 Steve married his wife Susan Kirchoff, in Santa Cruz, California, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Caitlin and Shannon. In 2001 the family moved to East Greenwich, RI. Steve was an involved family man and father, whether he was the coach of his girls local soccer or softball team or volunteering to help with the East Greenwich schools music program, he really enjoyed being involved with their activities and interests. The many family trips usually included one of his favorite things, hiking. The outdoors was where he wanted to be. It could be a short stroll at a local state park or a major hike on the steep trails in Acadia National Forest, he always loved to share and explore these places with his family.

Along with hiking, Steve’s other favorite passion was music. He loved playing his saxophone and was a member of many bands throughout his life. While he loved Classical music, his favorite style was Jazz. He was a well-respected member of a variety of music groups everywhere he lived. While living in Rhode Island, he played his saxophone in a Chicago tribute band called Chicago All Access as well as with a (Jazz) band called Project Flynn, which was named after the beloved family dog. After moving to Southport, North Carolina, he played with the Brunswick Big Band, The Brunswick Concert Band, and a variety of smaller groups. He gained great admiration and friendships with the members of these bands, and he talked about them often. He loved playing his horn anytime, anywhere.

Upon retirement, Steve and his wife, Susan, moved to Southport, North Carolina where he revisited tennis. He became involved playing men’s doubles where he was able to develop many friendships and the love of tennis.

Steve was a strong family man, a faithful and devoted husband and father and will be missed by family, colleagues, and friends.

Steve is survived by his wife, Susan Kirchhoff O’Connell and his children Caitlin O’Connell and Shannon (Cameron) Paul; his sisters Susan L. O’Connell and Linda (Quinn) Rescigno.

There will be a celebration of Life for local St. James and Southport friends and neighbors on Sunday March 24, 2024, from 3:00 -5:00PM at 3216 Oceanic Bay Drive Southport, NC.

There will be an intimate family celebration later this year in his favorite place, Bar Harbor, Maine.

If you would like to make a donation in his honor, the following charities represent what was dear to his heart. His love for the outdoors and music.

 The National Parks Foundation:

https://www.nationalparks.org

 Brunswick Bands, Inc.

Https:/www.brunswickbands.org/get-involved/donate/.