John J. "Skin" O'Connell, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life unexpectedly on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital in Melrose. He was 84 years old.
Skin was born in Boston on January 20, 1930, a son of the late Samuel O'Connell and Mary (Hayes) O'Connell. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Commerce High School in Boston in 1948. He enlisted into the United States Army on August 12, 1948 and served his country with pride and courage during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged on August 15, 1955 with the rank of Private E-2. Skin worked for over 25 years at the Charlestown Naval Shipyard as an electrician and rigger. He was a proud member of the 1949 "Falcons" Charlestown football team and was also a member of The Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association and Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed bowling, playing cribbage and doing crossword puzzles.
Skin is the beloved husband of 62 years to Lois M. (Lynch) O'Connell. He is the devoted father of Janet DeYoung and her husband George of Billerica, Steven J. O'Connell of North Carolina, Christine Kane and her husband Larry of Hanover and Edward J. O'Connell and his wife Darlene of Marshfield. He is the loving Pop to Marc and Amy, Jennifer and John, Scott and Renee, Christopher, Amanda, Lindsey and his 6 great-grandchildren. He is the beloved brother of Catherine O'Connell of Charlestown, Rita Feeney of Maine, Elizabeth DiMella of Saugus and the late Margaret Caron, Gertrude Boesen, Mary O'Connell and Edward O'Connell. He is the loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend John's Funeral on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 10 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 11 A.M. Interment will be private. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, February 9, 2014 from 2 to 6 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in John's name to St. Francis De Sales Church Building Fund, 303 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129.