Return To Private Life
O'Connell announced his resignation on June 28, 1973. He did not provide a specific reason, but it was known that his wife was ill with diabetes. After retiring as university president, he returned to his home in Tallahassee, restarted his law practice, remained active in university affairs, and engaged in cattle ranching. O'Connell later became the chairman and chief executive officer of Lewis State Bank, then the oldest bank in Florida, and held that position until 1983. Thereafter, he returned to the active practice of law in Tallahassee in partnership with a Tampa-based firm.
When its construction was completed in 1980, the Stephen C. O'Connell Center was named for O'Connell in recognition of his service to his alma mater. The multi-purpose athletic arena and entertainment venue is located on the Gainesville campus of the University of Florida, and is known to students as the "O'Dome."
O'Connell died on his cattle ranch near Tallahassee, on April 13, 2001, at the age of 85. O'Connell was preceded in death by his first wife, Rita McTigue O'Connell, and his son, Martin O'Connell. He was survived by his second wife, Cynthia Bowlin O'Connell, three children, and eight grandchildren. Cynthia O'Connell serves on the University of Florida Board of Trustees.
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