Arthur “Okie” D. O’Connell Jr., 50, of Derry, NH passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021, after a lengthy illness. Okie was born on April 2, 1971 in Derry NH. He was the son of Cheryl (Cropley) and Arthur D. O’Connell Sr. Okie enjoyed a full active life in his younger years, playing baseball and riding horses with his mother. He was a Boy Scout in troop 402 where his father was the Scout Master. They enjoyed mountain climbing, hiking, and winter camping together. Okie also liked to ride four wheelers, motorcycles, and play UNO with his family. Okie’s family would like to thank each and every healthcare worker, emergency services person, and medical facility that so kindly and compassionately cared for him over the many years of his illness. The doctors and nurses at St Joseph’s Hospital were wonderful. The staff from Pridestar who transported him to appointments had a special way of lifting his spirits and keeping him and at ease. His visiting nurses were exceptionally nice and all the people at Davita Dialysis were amazing.
Okie is predeceased by his father, Arthur D. O’Connell Sr. (1997). Okie is survived by his mother, Cheryl O’Connell; his two sisters, Sara Barton and Caroline Dodge and her husband Erik; his beloved niece and nephews, Ashlie Dodge, Ryon Barton, and Andrew Barton; his Great Aunt Elsie Haas Howell; Godmother Elsie Sinnott and Uncle Richard; as well as many more aunts, cousins, and friends.
There will be no calling hours. Following cremation, memorial services will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Joslin at The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc. https://www.bartoncenter.org/