Francis X. O'Connell's Obituary
Francis X. O’Connell, of West Yarmouth, MA, formally of Methuen, MA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Cape Cod Hospital. He was the 11th of 12 children born to John and Nellie O’Connell of Camden Street, Lawrence. His older siblings gave him the nickname “Honey”, a name which he carried throughout his life. As part of such a large Irish family, he learned early on about the importance of cooperation and compromise. He began working at a young age to help support his family, as did his brothers and sisters. When he wasn’t delivering pork pies and newspapers, he also found time to serve as an altar boy in the Catholic Church. He adopted a strong work ethic, which carried over in all aspects of his life. He was employed for decades at Lawrence Paper Mills, where he often referred to himself as “giving them 9 for 8”.
As a skilled athlete, he earned a scholarship to play baseball at Central Catholic High School. He continued as a standout ballplayer as a young adult for the Hollihan’s Team in the Lawrence Softball League. After he graduated from Central with the class of 1945, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, serving in several ports in the Northeast. He was always very proud of this service and would recount stories about several of the rescues he participated in.
In 1947, he married “the love of his life”, Claire Lister. Honey met Claire at the Tenney Street Playground when they were both 14. He first became her hero when he retrieved her shoe which had somehow landed on top of the swing set. He was voted “most popular boy” three years in a row at the playground, but his biggest prize was winning Claire’s heart.
Frank and Claire raised their four children in Methuen. They bought a house on Lowell Street, where handyman Frank completed many projects and transformed it into a home. Later in life, Frank and Claire enjoyed traveling to many places, including Hawaii, Alaska, Italy, the British Isles, and France. One of Frank’s favorite trips was to Ireland, birthplace of both his parents. There he visited extended family and was able to explore his life-long passion for his Irish heritage. Frank loved horses and horseracing. Not only did he “play the ponies” at nearby Rockingham Park, he also enjoyed taking his children to feed the horses at Nevin’s Farm. In his lifetime, he was able to attend all the Triple Crown races.
Frank is survived by Claire, his “Bride” of 74 years, of West Yarmouth, MA; his son, Michael and his wife, Joanne of Hyannis, MA; his daughter Kathy of Ocala, FL; his daughter, Christine of Wakefield, MA. He is predeceased by his daughter, Patricia Timmons of Manchester, NH. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jason Timmons, Kerri Timmons, Casey O’Connell, Joseph O’Connell; his great- grandchildren, Brandan Timmons, Trevor Timmons, Jaxin Timmons, Mya O’Connell, and Nathan O’Connell; and his great-great grandson, Kaydin Timmons. He is predeceased by grandsons, Brian Timmons and Robby Timmons. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Monica Church, 212 Lawrence Street in Methuen. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the O'Connell Family.
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