WORCESTER- James J. Connell of Worcester, formerly of Sturbridge and Lexington MA, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 5th in the Jewish Healthcare Center, at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his parents, James B. and Margaret (Sullivan) Connell, and his sister, Margaret (Connell) Durham.
He was the beloved and cherished husband of Elizabeth J. (Fitzgerald) Connell of Worcester. James was the treasured and deeply loved father of James P. Connell of Cincinnati, OH, Ann C. Bergin of Amherst, NH, Gerald M. Connell, of Plainfield, MA, Brian J. Connell, Esq., of Medford, MA, Celine M. Lasonde, of East Longmeadow, MA and Elizabeth H. Connell of Worcester.
He was also the much appreciated and honored father-in-law of; Diane G. Connell of Cincinnati, OH, Rep. Peter F. Bergin of Amherst, NH, Margaret A. Connell of Plainfield, MA, Anne Brescia of Medford, MA, James M. Lasonde of East Longmeadow, M., and Kenneth L. Dicks of Worcester.
James was the adored grandfather to his 11 grandchildren: James P. Connell II, of West Chester, OH, Caitlin D. Bergin of Paris, France, Courtney C. Bergin of Oakland, CA, Erika C. Cooper of DePere, WI, Andrew S. Connell of Washington, CT, Molli B. Connell of Chicago, IL, Anthony Gabriel Brescia-Connell of Medford, MA, Brian F. Lasonde of East Longmeadow, MA, Jared M. Lasonde of East Longmeadow, MA, Brendan A. Jaffe of Worcester, Christopher J. Dicks of Worcester; and his 4 great grandchildren; Caitlin, Colin, and Claire Connell of West Chester, OH and Greta A. Cooper of DePere, WI.
James was born in Boston, his love of interacting with people led him to a career in advertising sales at the Boston Herald Traveler from 1944 to 1967, and later into real estate development, after which he founded his own construction materials company. He enjoyed remaining active in sales well into his 80’s. He will be deeply and profoundly missed by all who knew him, most especially, his family.
A visiting period will be held Thursday, November 8th from 9:00 until 10:30 AM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue followed by a Mass at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 43 Belmont Street. A committal service will be held Friday, November 9th at 11:00 AM in St. Thomas Cemetery, West Springfield, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 4527New York, NY 10163 or Jewish Healthcare Center of Worcester, 629 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis" May he rest in Peace