Dr. John J. O'Connell

Dr. John J. O’Connell passed away after a long illness on May 30, 2024 in Plymouth. He was a longtime resident of Newton.  He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Cuneo) O’Connell for 64 years.  He is survived by his loving children Barbara McTigue, John J. O’Connell, III, Kathleen M. O’Connell-Salisbury, and Mary T. O’Connell.  He was adored by his grandchildren Kathleen Reilly and Thomas McTigue, IV, and his great-grandchildren Keira and Jack Reilly and Thomas McTigue, V, with whom he enjoyed frolicking as much they did, if not more.

John was the son of John J. O’Connell and Anne O’Connell, formerly Cain.  He was the eldest of 11 children and grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  John is survived by his siblings Harold, Robert, Roberta, Catherine, Dennis, James and Stephen and predeceased by brothers Daniel, Arthur and Gerald.  John is also survived by his brother-in-law John Cuneo in addition to many nieces and nephews. 

John was a graduate of Boston College (’55) where he met his wife Barbara, a graduate of Boston College School of Nursing.  After Boston College, he graduated from St. Louis University School of Dentistry (’60) in St. Louis, Missouri.  Shortly after graduation, John and Barbara were married and stationed in Germany by the US Army Dental Corps. This was the beginning of their life's journey together, filled with adventure and travel.  After Germany, John set up a dental practice in Brighton where he practiced for 50 years.  This was not only the start of a successful career, but the beginning of a life filled with achievement and service.

John was an Officer of the Catholic Dental Society and a Director of the Greater Boston Bank.  John   spent many long hours fostering the motto of Boston College, “Ever to Excel”, by being involved in major fundraising and also greatly involved in the Boston College Alumni Association where he served as President.  His community service was a reflection of his kind and giving nature.

Visiting hours will be held at Lehman, Reen & McNamara Funeral Home 63 Chestnut Hill Ave in Brighton from 3 to 7pm on Thursday, June 6th.  A Celebration of John's life will be held at 11am on Friday June 7th at St. Ignatius of Loyola, 28 Commonwealth Avenue in Chestnut Hill.  The burial will follow the Liturgy at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Memory of John can be made to Greater Boston Food Bank and Boston Catholic Television.  For directions and guest book please visit www.lehmanreen.com

John's family would like to thank all those at Life Care Center of Plymouth who gave him the utmost care.

John's legacy of love, kindness and his gentle spirit will be cherished by the all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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