Kevin O'Connor was the Cougars announcer in the mid-90's, serving through 1996, said the team's general manager Jeff Sedivy. He was one of those rare individuals who always seemed upbeat.

"Just a great person; he was always kidding and joking. Just a gas to be around," recalled Sedivy.

Fans might recall his signature signoff line, "Thanks for coming, it's been an honor for O'Connor," said Jeff Ney, an assistant manager for the Cougars.

Finding such a positive attitude in an announcer was unusual because the position sometimes tends to attract the divas, said Sedivy.

"But Kev was free-flowing, (saying) 'Let's roll with it brother,' while still putting on a professional product," Sedivy said.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Patricia O'Connor, who could not be reached for comment Saturday and by his sister Nancy Spartz. He died Thursday at his Brookfield home.

Visitation will be held today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd. in Westchester. Monday's funeral mass at 9:30 a.m. at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 1125 Harrison in LaGrange Park, will be followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Rd. in Hillside.