Obituary for Joseph E. O'Connell Sr.
BILLERICA - Joseph E. O'Connell Sr. beloved husband of the late Mary Louise (Malatesta) died peacefully at his home on Saturday evening, February 28, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was the son of the late Thomas and Alice (Hannon) O'Connell. Joe was born and lived all of his life in Billerica. Joe was proud of his deep Irish roots. He was the essence of an Irishman: quick wit, often the prankster and usually full of blarney. He recently celebrated his 75th birthday. Joe was an entrepreneur who successfully ran several businesses in town for many years, including Graham & Chelmsford Taxi, as well as busing and trucking companies. Later he joined the Town of Billerica public works department from which he retired 13 years ago. Joe loved to travel, hit the casinos and always enjoyed a good laugh and a few cold ones with his many friends. But his greatest love was his family. A widower at the age of 32, Joe was left to raise his 4 small children alone. There were many tough days but Joe pulled his family through all of them. He was so proud of his kids and adored his grandchildren. Joe was a wonderful dad (and mom), a devoted husband to his late wife Mary, cherished grandfather and a crazy uncle. He was a brother who could work his siblings’ nerves to no end and he often did. But he was one of the first we all turned to and always the first to pitch in and help anyone in need. Joe was a member of the Billerica Elks, VFW Solomon Post and the Moose Lodge. Joe is survived by his three sons and their spouses and companions, Joseph O'Connell Jr., Michael and wife Kristine O'Connell and Christopher O'Connell and his companion Marie Schissler, all of Billerica, and one daughter Alyce O'Connell of Billerica. Joe is also survived by his two precious grandchildren, Amanda Smith & Michael O'Connell, both of Billerica. Joe was a-beloved Papa to Brittany, Kasey & Dylan Schissler of Billerica. In addition, he leaves his three sisters and their spouses, Patty and Neil Dooley of Billerica, Ruth Couture, and Rose and Robert Langlois, all of Lowell, and one brother, Bill O'Connell of Laguna Niguel, California. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was the brother of the late Mary Stirling, Thomas O’Connell, Mike O’Connell, and Charles O'Connell. He was the stepson of the late Harriet O'Connell. O’CONNELL – Of Billerica, Feb. 28, Joseph E. O’Connell Sr. Funeral Wednesday from the SWEENEY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Theresa Church, Billerica at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 3 – 7 p.m. Burial in Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica In lieu of flowers donations maybe made to the Special Olympics, 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.
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