Obituary of Kevin T. O'Connell

Kevin T. O’Connell, 68, of Stratham, NH, beloved husband of Mildred (Rossiter) O’Connell of Stratham and formerly of Peabody, died unexpectedly at his home after taking an ill turn. Born in Melrose, he was the son of the late Gerald and Marion (Lucey) O’Connell. He grew up in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1960. He lived in Peabody for over 30 years, and moved to Stratham, NH where he lived the last 3 years. Mr. O’Connell enjoyed his career, as a dedicated and devoted member for 46 years of service with the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 4 of Boston. He was affiliated the last 7 years with the Department of Public Safety for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an Elevator Inspector. He served as Sargeant-at-Arms with the Union for 18 years. Kevin enjoyed the freedom of the road, riding his bike for years. He also enjoyed watching stock car racing and on dirt track racing. While younger, he raced stock cars at the West Peabody Speedway. He will be dearly missed by friends and family, and remembered for his devotion to family and holding a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Mildred (Rossiter) O’Connell of Stratham, NH, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage; two daughters, Christine O’Connell of North Conway, NH and Dolores Gifford of New Durham, NH; three grandchildren, Amanda and Adin Sobel, and Allison Gifford all of NH; two brothers, James O’Connell and Paul O’Connell, both of Melrose; two sisters, Jeanne O’Connell and Beth Ann O’Connell, both of Brewster, MA, and several nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 – 8 P.M. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. location, Peabody. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Friday May 13, 2011 at 9:30 AM from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Grove St., Lynnfield, MA. Cremation will follow the Mass. Expressions of sympathy may be made to MMSF, Inc., PO BOX 446, Topsfield, MA 01983 www.massmsf.org or The Home for Little Wanderers, Development Department, 271 Huntington Avenue, 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02115 www.thehome.org .