Richard Leo O'Connell, III, age 73, of Las Vegas, NM, died after a long illness at University of New Mexico Hospital on January 28th, 2026.

Rick was born to Dr Richard L O'Connell, Jr and Carolla B. O'Connell in 1952.  He spent his early years in England before returning to Las Vegas, where he grew up and built a life rooted in education, service, and the arts.

A lifelong performer and educator, Rick appeared in stage productions from his youth onward. As a young adult, he toured with the USO during the Vietnam War, bringing music and theater to troops stationed in Japan and Korea. Following his USO service, Rick earned his bachelor's degree from New Mexico Highlands University, where he also completed graduate work in school counseling.

Rick spent many years teaching in school districts in Northern New Mexico. Students, colleagues and friends remember his kindness, helpfulness, encouragement, humor, and steady presence.

After formally leaving teaching, Rick remained deeply engaged in community life. He assisted with his mother's Robertson productions at Ilfeld, community theater shows, worked with the Las Vegas Literacy Program, and later worked in consumer advocacy with Las Vegas Medical Center, now NMBHI.

Outside of his professional life, Rick loved all things Oriental and art deco trade interiors. Throughout his life, he continued performing in numerous productions, including at Highlands and with the Nat Gold Players. Friends remember him for his abundant joy, musical talent, and a gentle yet commanding presence that made others feel both seen and at ease. He often returned to a favorite saying from a 14th-century mystic, Mother Julian of Norwich:

"All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well."

He is survived by his son, Daniel O'Connell, daughter-law, Amanda and his grandchild, Moss; his sister, Siobhan Croto, her husband Jim and his nephew, Sean; brother-in-law, Ralph Galban; his niece, Tessa Blakely Silver, his grandnieces, Ruth and Perel;  his mother's sister, Aunt Ruth Miller and her children, Debbie, Dave, Dana and Donna and cousins . He is preceded in death by his father, his mother, his sister Teresa Blakely Galban, and his beloved dog and companion, Tennessee.

Rick will have a Celebration of Life at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the First United Presbyterian Church of Las Vegas. Shirley Sandoval, C.P. and Rev. Jeff Hopson will preside over the service. In keeping with his wishes, Rick was cremated. His ashes will later be interned in a beautiful Celtic styled urn in a plot at the Masonic Cemetery near both of his parents.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Avenue, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701. Telephone (505) 425-3511. Please visit our on-line website at www.rogers mortuarynm.com to sign the on-line register book.