Philip Edward O’Connell 88, of Plympton passed away Monday February 22nd peacefully at home under the care of Cranberry Hospice. Philip was born on June 1, 1921 in Watertown MA. He leaves his wife, Mary Madeleine (O’Brien) O’Connell of 61 years, his sister Patricia Moukowsher of CT, 8 Children; Michael of Hanover, Anne Dargelis of Middleboro, James of ME, Daniel of So. Weymouth, Madeleine Hammond of ME, Theresa Donovan of Whitman, Patricia Petitpas of Holbrook and David of VA, 2 deceased daughters; Elizabeth of Plympton and Eileen of So. Weymouth. He also leaves 21 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren.
Philip was a Veteran of WWII active in the Army Air Corps; he attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Boston College. He was politically active in state and federal affairs, dedicated member of the Pro-Life Movement including “Operation Rescue”, volunteer of the VNA, Hospice, CURA, Meals on Wheels, the elderly walking group “Keep Moving” for many years, a CCD teacher, an officer on the Council on Aging (COA) and he was on the Emergency Evacuation Committee. Philip ran the Boston Marathon 5 times, and he was the oldest man to run the marathon in 2007 at almost 86 years old! When he was 80, he ran the Mt. Washington, NH road race. He was also a member of the N.E. 65 Runners Club. He’s in “Who’s Who in America” 27th and 54th editions. Mr. O’Connell was an avid sailboat racer and an expert alpine skier. He enjoyed many other outdoor activities with his children and grandchildren. He was the owner of a Retail/Wholesale shellfish business in Middleboro. Philip pioneered the set up of inland recirculating saltwater tank systems.
Donations may be made in Philip’s name to: CURA, VNA, or Cranberry Hospice 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326 Plymouth MA 02360. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday February 25th at 11am at St. Joseph’s Church on Main St. Kingston MA. Burial will be for family members at St. Joseph’s Cemetery with Military honors in Kingston MA