Vincent “Tippy” P. O’Connell, 82, of Methuen, died peacefully Sunday April 22, 2012 in Holy Family Hospital, Methuen.
Tippy, son of the late John and Ellen (Fitzgerald) O’Connell, was born in Lawrence on December 17, 1929 and lived here many years. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence class of 1948 and later received an Associates Degree in Business from Merrimack College. Tippy was veteran of the United States Coast Guard and served our country during the Korean War. Tippy worked for Lucent Technologies for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1987.
Tippy was a very active communicant at St. Monicas Church but his passion to serve the church extended beyond his membership. For years, he faithfully volunteered his time and energy for the benefit of St. Monica's. He was also very active member of the Pioneers of America and the United States Coast Guard. He will be long remembered for the love he shared with his grandchildren who were a source of great pride to him.
Tippy will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 59 years, Caryl M. (Hoelzel) O’Connell; his children, Debra A. O’Connell, Colleen McGowan and her husband Frank, Paula Giarrusso and her husband Michael, Peter O’Connell and his wife Joan, Stephen O’Connell and his wife Gina; two brothers, William O’Connell, Francis O’Connell and his wife Claire; twelve grandchildren, Michael Giarrusso and his wife Kristine, James Giarrusso and his wife Elizabeth, Jenny Giarrusso, Steven Giarrusso, Kristen Jackman and her husband Kenneth, Frankie and Patrick McGowan, Kerry and Dana O’Connell, Liam, Declan and Eamon O’Connell; four great grandchildren, Madeleine and Parker Jackman and Quinn and Garrity Giarrusso and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Ellen Morisseau.
Family and friends will be warmly received in the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen from 2-8 PM on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 26, 2012 in St. Monica’s Church, 202 Lawrence St., Methuen at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. Those who wish to remember Tippy may make memorial contributions in his memory to St. Monica’s Church, 212 Lawrence St., Methuen 01844. For directions or to share a condolence with the family, please visit us online at www.pollardfuneralhome.com.