Robert William O'Connell

July 11, 1932 - December 10, 2023 (age 91)

Robert William O'Connell, a lifelong resident of Medford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on December 10, 2023. Bob was one of six children born to William and Mary (McGrath) O'Connell on July 11, 1932. He was a graduate of Don Bosco High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon completion of his military service, he attended Wentworth Institute of Technology, and soon after graduation married his loving wife of more than 57 years, the late MaryLou (Scanlon) O'Connell.

Bob was a devout Roman Catholic and a member of Sacred Heart and St. Raphael Parishes. He was an active parishioner who volunteered in many roles including altar boy, usher, religious education teacher, and Eucharistic Minister. Combining his love of sports and his 3 daughters, Bob founded the Sacred Heart C.Y.O. Girls Softball League which provided a wonderful opportunity for girls to participate in sports.

Bob loved playing hockey. His first pair of skates were so big he had to stuff newspapers in the toes so they would fit. He spent many years coaching Medford Youth Hockey, including his son Andy's team, with his dear friend, Jack Twomey. After his stint coaching, Bob was a referee for M.Y.H. In his retirement, he enjoyed watching his granddaughter play defense.

For more than 31 years, Bob was a proud employee of the Polaroid Corporation. He started his career as a model maker and retired in 1993 as a Supervisor in the Cambridge flagship facility. Let's just say, we have a lot of Polaroid pictures around!

Bob was fortunate to be able to enjoy a long, healthy retirement. He and MaryLou were proud grandparents and loved spending time with the kids and attending their many events. Cape Cod was a longtime summer tradition and he spent many days swimming at the beautiful beaches in Dennisport, Chatham and Falmouth. Another summer highlight was golfing alongside his son-in-law Tom in the Polaroid Retirees Golf League. Our parents had so much fun with their friends and family during their annual escape to Naples FL. Bob was an avid Boston Sports fan (except this past 'Red Flops' season). Swimming and walking were two of the activities that Bob loved to do when he moved to Brooksby Village in Peabody. Bob loved family gatherings, and we had a wonderful celebration for his 85th birthday.

In addition to his wife, Bob was predeceased by his sister Bernice McAteer and her husband John, his brother Thomas O'Connell and his wife Marie, his brother Paul O'Connell, his sister Barbara FitzGerald, and his brother David O'Connell and his wife Joan, his son-in-law, Thomas C. Wright Jr., and most recently his dear niece Judy Poglitsch.

Bob is survived by his loving children, Maureen Catallo and her husband George of Manhasset, NY, Jean Lively and her husband Jay of Mashpee, Suzanne McCabe and her husband Brian of Andover, and Andrew O'Connell of Arlington. He was the proud grandfather of Caitlin Wright, Bridget Wright, Katarina Catallo, Griffen Catallo, Kyle McCabe, and Olivia McCabe. Bob was the cherished brother-in-law of James FitzGerald and Peggy O'Connell and adored uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Bob's children are so grateful to Nicki Young for her compassionate care of our father in his later years. When Bob could no longer drive, Nicki patiently drove him all over the North Shore and made many trips to Medford and Lyndell's Bakery.

The funeral procession will be held from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) in Somerville on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Raphael Church in West Medford at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 15, from 4-7 p.m. Services will conclude with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.

Late U.S. Army Veteran, Korea

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Bob's memory www.ALZ.org