Obituary for Joseph E. O'Connell Jr.
Joseph E. O’Connell Jr. passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 12, 2021, at Sawtelle Family Hospice in Reading after a brief battle with lymphoma. Born September 6, 1961, he was the beloved son of the late Joseph E. O'Connell and Mary L. (Malatesta) O'Connell and the oldest of four children. He was a lifelong resident of Billerica.
Known as “Joey” to family and friends, he lived a happy life, despite being born with health challenges, and he always had a big beautiful smile and was good-natured soul.
When Joey’s mom passed away on June 22, 1972, he was just 10 years old. He and his sister Alyce, 9 years old at the time, had to be “big brother and sister” in helping their dad care for their two younger brothers, Michael and Christopher, 5 and 2 years old, respectively. The bond that grew between the four siblings was solid and everlasting.
Joey loved spending time with his family and was avid New England Sports Team Fan watching and attending sporting events. Joey attended Billerica schools and was a graduate of Billerica Memorial High School (BMHS), Class of 1982. Joey attended any and all BMHS sports events he could, as well as major league games. He had an incredible memory for game data and results. For his remarkable commitment to and knowledge of sporting events he was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award at his high school graduation.
For several years Joey also participated in the Special Olympics of New England events.
Joey was a beautiful soul. A cherished and beloved brother, uncle, nephew and cousin. And for those who now mourn his passing, the family asks that you also celebrate his remarkable life. And whenever someone asks, “Hey, what’s the score?”, just reply, “Ask Joey, he’ll know.”
The family would like to thank the staff at Alternative Support Inc. and American Training and especially Jennifer Allan for everything they did for Joey. A heartfelt thank you to staff of the Sawtelle Hospice House for all the care they gave Joey.
Joey is survived by his sister, Alyce L. O’Connell of Billerica, his brother Michael T. O’Connell and wife Kristine of Billerica, and his brother Christopher R. O’Connell and companion Marie Schissler of Billerica. He is also survived by one niece Amanda and her husband Mark Benevides, of Fairhaven, one nephew Michael C. O’Connell of Billerica and one great niece Layla Benevides, of Fairhaven, as well as several aunts, uncles and many cousins. Joey was also a beloved “Uncle Joey” to Marie Schissler‘s children, Brittany Schissler of Los Angeles, California, and Kasey and Dylan Schissler, of Billerica. He was the grandson of the late Alfred and Louise Malatesta and Thomas and Harriet O’Connell.
Funeral Tuesday from the SWEENEY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica at 9 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be held Monday from 4-7 p.m. Donations in Joey’s memory maybe made to the Special Olympics, www.specialolympics.org Burial in Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica.
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Known as “Joey” to family and friends, he lived a happy life, despite being born with health challenges, and he always had a big beautiful smile and was good-natured soul.
When Joey’s mom passed away on June 22, 1972, he was just 10 years old. He and his sister Alyce, 9 years old at the time, had to be “big brother and sister” in helping their dad care for their two younger brothers, Michael and Christopher, 5 and 2 years old, respectively. The bond that grew between the four siblings was solid and everlasting.
Joey loved spending time with his family and was avid New England Sports Team Fan watching and attending sporting events. Joey attended Billerica schools and was a graduate of Billerica Memorial High School (BMHS), Class of 1982. Joey attended any and all BMHS sports events he could, as well as major league games. He had an incredible memory for game data and results. For his remarkable commitment to and knowledge of sporting events he was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award at his high school graduation.
For several years Joey also participated in the Special Olympics of New England events.
Joey was a beautiful soul. A cherished and beloved brother, uncle, nephew and cousin. And for those who now mourn his passing, the family asks that you also celebrate his remarkable life. And whenever someone asks, “Hey, what’s the score?”, just reply, “Ask Joey, he’ll know.”
The family would like to thank the staff at Alternative Support Inc. and American Training and especially Jennifer Allan for everything they did for Joey. A heartfelt thank you to staff of the Sawtelle Hospice House for all the care they gave Joey.
Joey is survived by his sister, Alyce L. O’Connell of Billerica, his brother Michael T. O’Connell and wife Kristine of Billerica, and his brother Christopher R. O’Connell and companion Marie Schissler of Billerica. He is also survived by one niece Amanda and her husband Mark Benevides, of Fairhaven, one nephew Michael C. O’Connell of Billerica and one great niece Layla Benevides, of Fairhaven, as well as several aunts, uncles and many cousins. Joey was also a beloved “Uncle Joey” to Marie Schissler‘s children, Brittany Schissler of Los Angeles, California, and Kasey and Dylan Schissler, of Billerica. He was the grandson of the late Alfred and Louise Malatesta and Thomas and Harriet O’Connell.
Funeral Tuesday from the SWEENEY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica at 9 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be held Monday from 4-7 p.m. Donations in Joey’s memory maybe made to the Special Olympics, www.specialolympics.org Burial in Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica.
Previous Events
Visitation
Monday
15
Nov
4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home
66 Concord Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Funeral Mass
Tuesday
16
Nov
10:00 AM
St. Theresa Church
466 Boston Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
Burial
Tuesday
16
Nov
11:00 AM
Fox Hill Cemetery
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
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