John J. “Jack” O’Connell
On Thursday, Jan. 5, 2009, John J. “Jack” O’Connell went home to be with the Lord. He leaves his beloved wife of 47 years, and beloved grown children, Janette O’Connell, Colleen Canciani and Timothy and Richelle O’Connell. He was so proud of his grown children and daughter-in-law. Grandchildren Alyssa Canciani, Chelsea and Brandon Watts were the “apples of his eyes.”
He was dedicated his entire life to the Lord, Catholicism, family and friends. He also believed in debt free living and living within ones means. One of his favorite sayings was “Save your money and retire early,” something he got to do in 1996, just before his 60th birthday.
Previous to coming to Florida, he enjoyed gardening, canning and preserving food and living off the land as much as possible. He took great joy in the fact that we were blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends. He also enjoyed the friends he made at work at E.I. DuPont & SPX, some of whom became like family and Jack thought of them that way.
A memorial service was held at St. Andrew Church. Father Dominik celebrated the mass, Jan. 10. Cremation was by International Cremation Society and burial in a niche at Coral Ridge Cemetery in Cape Coral.
A donation to a church, hospice, soup kitchen or food bank would be appreciated or, better yet, begin a debt free lifestyle or living within your means. Then when you’ve attained that, donations to church or other charitable organizations will be possible.
Always remember another of Jack’s sayings “Charity begins at home.”