John V. O’Connell, age 21 years, died suddenly Friday evening, October 21st, at Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, MA, after a confrontation in Westfield . As a senior at Westfield State, John was to graduate in June 2006.
A lifelong Quincy resident, John attended St. Agatha’s Grammar School in Milton, the Atlantic Middle School in Quincy and graduated from North Quincy High School in 2002. While in high school, he was Captain of the varsity baseball and basketball teams. John was also a member of the Glee Club and was Student Representative for the Quincy School Committee. An avid baseball player, John played for several semi-professional teams on the South Shore.
John is survived by his parents, Matthew O’Connell and Mary (Collins) O’Connell, of Quincy formerly of Charlestown, a brother, Matthew J. and two sisters, Elyse and Catherine O’Connell all of Quincy. He is the maternal grandson of Dorothy Collins of Milton, MA, and the late James P. Collins formally of Charlestown, and paternal grandson of the late John and Frances O’Connell. Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive him.
A Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, October 26th, at the Sacred Heart Church, 386 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA.