READING — James F. O’Connell, 64, passed away at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading on Saturday, Feb. 28.
James was born in Melrose on Dec. 3, 1950 to the late Gerald and Marion Rita (Lucey) O’Connell. He was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School in the Class of 1968.
Mr. O’Connell worked for the New England Telephone Company right out of high school as a lineman. He entered the U.S. Army on June 11, 1970 and served his country with pride during the Vietnam War for six years. After his discharge from the service in 1976 he return to the telephone company where he worked for 30 years as a computer technician.
James lived in Wakefield for 11 years, Malden and Everett for a few years and the past 25 years in Melrose. Mr. O’Connell was the father of Brian, Barry, Ben and William O’Connell and their families. He was the brother of Jeanne O’Connell, Beth Cronin and her husband Richard all of Brewster, Paul O’Connell of Malden and the late Kevin and Philip O’Connell. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and friends.
A graveside service will be held at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose, on Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the VNA Sawtelle Hospice House, 607 North Ave., Suite 17, Wakefield MA 01880.
Arrangements by Gately Funeral Home, Melrose.
To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
