John Patrick "Jack" O'Connell

John "Jack" Patrick O'Connell, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2013, at his home in Longmeadow, Mass., with the comfort of his family by his side.

Born on July 18, 1924, in Springfield, Mass., a loving son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Sheridan) O'Connell, he was a resident of Longmeadow for over 50 years. Jack was the loving husband of the late Elaine F. (O'Neil) O'Connell, who sadly passed away in 1988. He served his country honorably as an aviation radioman 2nd class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Jack received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon two stars.

He was owner and operator of O'Connell's Stateline Mobil in Longmeadow for 42 years. He was a parishioner of St. Mary Church in Longmeadow and a member of the American Legion in Brattleboro, Vt. Jack was an avid Red Sox fan. He was a very modest, hardworking and sentimental man. He was a man of great character and values which endeared him to family and friends.

Jack is survived by his loving partner of 23 years, Hilda (Coville) Flayhan of Longmeadow; his loving children, Joanne M. Montgomery of Springfield, Mary Lou Filiault of Somers, Jane E. Sherwin of Enfield, Lynn A. Peterson and her husband, Ed, of Mansfield, and John D. O'Connell and his wife, Laurie, of Feeding Hills, Mass.; 10 cherished grandchildren who knew him as "Poppy," Rob, Jennifer, Michael, Lisa, Kaitlyn, Sean, James, Jackie, Erin, and Sara; and one great-granddaughter, Leah. He is also survived by Hilda's children, Thomas and his four sisters; and good friends and neighbors. Jack was also predeceased by his two brothers, Donald in 1990 and Robert in 1997, and his sister, Patricia Phaneuf in 1982.

His family wishes to extend their gratitude by thanking all his caregivers, Elaine, Greg, Kate, Isabelle, Jennifer, Linda, and Vanessa for their exceptional care.

Funeral services for Jack will be held on Thursday, June 27, beginning at 8:45 a.m. from Hafey Springfield Chapels, 494 Belmont Ave., Springfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Church, 519 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. Burial with military honors will follow immediately after the Mass at Longmeadow Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

For more information, visit

www.hafeyfuneralservice.com