Emmett J. O'Connell

EMMETT J. O'CONNELL BURLINGTON - Born on Christmas day, 1921, the son of Dennis and Teresa (Hennessey) O'Connell, he passed away on June 18, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children. Emmett was born on Staten Island, N.Y. and attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School, Saint Peter's High School, and Manhattan College. During World War II he was a Bomber Pilot flying B24's and B-29's. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force as a Major in 1947. He was a member of the Air Force Association and a long standing member of St. Mark's Church. He worked for Aetna Life and Casualty before retiring in 1986. Emmett was a devoted husband, loving father, and role model to all those who knew him. He was dedicated to his family and very proud of his children. He enjoyed playing golf and tennis, skiing, gardening, and traveling. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who adored him. He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Daniel, Dennis, and Father John; and two sisters, Marguerite and Sister Marie-Emmett. Left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, Rose, his wife of 58 years; his children, Emmett Jr. and Judy O'Connell of Stowe, Vt., Mary and Ken Stella of Vershire, Vt., Dr. Patrick and Susie O'Connell of Virginia Beach, Va., and Sarah and David Kalil of Stow, Mass.; and his 10 grandchildren, Sarah, Sean, and EJ O'Connell, Emily and Joe Stella, Kathryn, William, and Patrick O'Connell, and Sean and Maura Kalil. He is also survived by his sister Teresa Murphy of Long Beach, Calif.; many brothers and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Mimi Apaloo, Pat Roder, and Yiinu Tornwini who so lovingly helped take care of Emmett in recent months. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 22, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mark's Church, North Ave., Burlington. Interment will follow in Resurrection Park Cemetery, South Burlington. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service North Chapel, 934 North Ave., Burlington. In lieu of flowers contributions in Emmett's memory may be made to the VNA Hospice of the Champlain Valley, 1110 Prim Rd., Colchester, VT 05446. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.readyfuneral.com .