Harold E. Burnell, Sr., 85, a longtime resident of Stoughton, died at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton on Wednesday, February 23. He was the beloved husband of 63 years of Rose M. (Caggiano) Burnell. Born in Whitman, he was raised in Brockton and graduated from Brockton High School, Class of 1943. He was a resident of Stoughton for the past 63 years. As a Field Lineman in the U.S. Army during World War II , Harry participated in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland campaigns. Wounded January 7, 1945 in Bastogne, Belgium, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars. Harry worked in maintenance for the Stoughton School Department for 30 years before retiring 20 years ago. He was a member of the American Legion Post 89 in Stoughton and was an avid Red Sox fan.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Burnell is survived by his son, Harold E. “Butch” Burnell, Jr. and his wife Lisa A. Souve of Hyannis, as well as his granddaughter, Christine J. Burnell-Salas along with her husband Rick and great grandchildren Erik Nicholas and Daniella Rose Salas of Lubbock, TX. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 5 brothers.
Funeral Prayers will be offered from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt.27) Stoughton on Tuesday, March 1 at 11:30 AM. Visiting Hours prior from 10-11:30 AM. Burial will take place at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 1:15 PM. Due to floral restrictions at the cemetery, donations in Harold’s name may be made to the USO, PO Box 96322, Washington, DC 20090-6322 or www.uso.org.