Obituary of Eugene A "Butch" O'Connell

Eugene A “Butch” O’Connell, 76, of Swampscott and formerly of Rockport and Stoneham, died Tuesday afternoon surrounded by his family at the Massachusetts General Hospital following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Bonnie Powers with whom he shared over 27 years of marriage. Born in Everett, he was the son of the late Daniel and Mary (Kenneally) O’Connell. He was raised and educated in Everett, later lived in Stoneham and Rockport and has spent the last 2 years living in Swampscott. Gene was first employed at the MIT Draper Labs and later joined the Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge. In 1982 Gene founded Tech Imaging Services. Gene was recognized as a premier high-speed imaging expert. Throughout his 35-year career, Gene captured ultra-slow-motion footage of many fascinating events, including the first NASA space shuttle launch, cutting edge scientific research, major sporting events, and slices of everyday life. Gene was a frequent lecturer at the MIT Edgerton Center and earned two Emmy awards for television innovation in 2006 and 2010. Gene enjoyed reading, history and visiting historical places, especially in the Boston area. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all. Besides his loving wife of 27 years, he is survived by his loving children, Dorie and her husband David Hall of Abington, Scott O’Connell of Weymouth, Jason O’Connell of Norwell, stepson Jay and his wife Dianna Primo of Saugus and stepdaughter Jill and her husband Matt Kearney of Swampscott, brother of Bobby O’Connell of CA, Bo O’Connell of Gloucester, and Eileen O’Connell of FL, also survived by his loving grandchildren, Justin and Alexandra Hall, Ryan O’Connell, Mackenzie, Sam, and Casey Kearney, and Jake Primo. He was predeceased by his nine brothers and sisters. Following cremation, a graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11:30 AM at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Lake St., Peabody. Family and friends will gather at 11:15 at the entrance of the cemetery followed by services at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name the American Liver Foundation, N.E., 88 Winchester St, Newton, MA 02461.