James C. "Nibben" O'Toole

CLINTON

James C. "Nibben" O'Toole, 59, a perpetual Red Sox fan, who watched his beloved team end the 2011 Season, and who played the game until the last out, died Tuesday, October 18, 2011. "His season" ended after a courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by five siblings: Mary Ellen "Mel" Ogilvie of Sterling, John P. "Spooks" O'Toole and his wife, Janice, of Lancaster, Timothy E. "Toby" O'Toole of Clinton, Christine M. Hamblen of Phoenix, AZ, and Anne E. Hamilton and her husband, Charles, of Barre. In addition, he leaves many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly, and all of whom will miss him terribly, and his childhood friend, Mike Shaughnessy, who was a constant source of strength and love that Nibben treasured and that the O'Toole family will never forget. He was predeceased by his older brother, Joseph "Tootie" O'Toole, who died in 2006.

Born in Clinton on November 19, 1951, he was the son of the late Charles F. "Zollo" and Anne (Turcotte) O'Toole. He attended local schools, before serving with the US Marine Corps from 1969-1972 as a combat cook during the Vietnam era. Upon his return home, he graduated from Clinton High School in 1973, after having made great contributions as a member of the Gael's X-Country Team. He attended Quinsigamond Community College, where he studied Criminal Justice, before beginning his career as a corrections officer, which he was for many years. Nibben then worked as the custodian at the Clinton Town Hall for over 20 years, until the time of his death. During his time at the town hall, he helped many individuals who needed to perform community service, all the while encouraging them not to make the same mistake again. In addition, he served as a Justice of the Peace, and was happy to see many couples off on the road to marital bliss, whether he was presiding over a wedding ceremony in a hot air balloon, or on the sands of Hampton Beach. He was a faithful and tireless "friend of Bill" for nearly 23 years, and was "thrilled to be here".

Nibben dedicated much of his leisure time to the youth of Clinton, as a Clinton Minor League Coach for over 30 years. On May 7, 2011, he was a proud Honoree at the 33rd Annual Tribute Road Race. He enjoyed playing cards, the lottery, and lending a hand to those in need. He especially loved spending time at the beach, be it Lou's Castle at Salisbury, or at the trailer in York, ME. Nibben will be greatly missed by all of his friends, whether he knew them "before alcohol" or "after alcohol".

An ardent, life-long Red Sox Fan, he held tight to the notion that you were either a fellow Red Sox Fan, or you were "the enemy". He was thrilled to be lucky enough to see his beloved team win two World Series Championships. If Nibben has his way "up there," he will truly become a "Red Sox Advisor".

Nibben's funeral will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Friday, October 21, 2011 from 4:00 – 8:00p.m. Please omit flowers. For those who wish, donations may be made in memory of Nibben to the Clinto