The Rotary Club of Thomaston will be honoring Richard “Rick” O’Connell as this year’s Distinguished Citizen for his unselfish service to the Citizens of Thomaston. Some of the most noteworthy ways in which Rick has served the community has been by serving on numerous Boards and Commissions over the years. They were the Board of Education for fourteen years with four years as its Chairman. He served on the Recreation Commission for five years and on the Board of Finance for ten years. Rick also served six years on the Board of Selectmen and on the Opera House Commission. He has been serving on the Thomaston Ambulance Commission for ten years and now as its Chairman. He is a Service Officer with the American Legion Post #22, transporting Vets to medical facilities and assisting them in filing for VA benefits.

While serving on these Boards and Commissions, O’Connell found the time to coach Little League Baseball, American Legion Baseball, Flag Football and High School Basketball. Rick has been very active in his church, serving on many Boards. He has been married to his wife Karen, for forty three years. He has three daughters and five grandchildren. A U. S. Marine Corp. Veteran, O’Connell also served in Vietnam during the war.
 
“This is our twenty-ninth year in which a deserving Citizen will be honored”, said Roger Perreault, Chairman of the Selection Committee. “We look for individuals who have donated numerous hours over an extended period of time, not for recognition, not for remuneration, but for the benefit of others and the Community. Without a doubt, Rick certainly qualifies for this award. Because of O’Connell’s efforts, Thomaston is a better place in which to live.”

The Rotary Club will be soliciting residences and businesses for financial support in honor of O’Connell. All of the contributions will help to fund the Rotary Scholarship Program. Each year Thomaston students receive over $10,000 in Scholarships from the Rotary Club. This year’s Scholarships will be awarded in honor of Richard “Rick” O’Connell.  

On April 13th, a banquet will be held to recognize O’Connell. Tickets for this memorable occasion are available from Rotarians and at the Thomaston Public Library.

If you'd like to honor Rick and make a contribution to the Rotary Scholarship Fund which will help the children of Thomaston further their education, please click here to download the form. Thank you.