John P. Scannell Sr.

John P. Scannell, Sr.
president of Scannell Boiler Works;
decorated WWII veteran; 88

LOWELL -- John "Jack" P. Scannell, Sr., 88, died peacefully at home after a brief illness on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.

He was the husband of the late M. Corinne (Murphy) Scannell who died in 2009 to whom he was married for 59 years.

He was born on May 26, 1922 in Lowell, MA, son of the late Philip L. Scannell, Sr. and the late Mary J. (Cooney) Scannell. Mr. Scannell received his early education in the Lowell school system then graduated from Keith Academy. He attended Lowell Technological Institute (now UMASS-Lowell) but his education was interrupted by WWII. Upon returning home after being honorably discharged; he graduated from Franklin Institute, Boston, MA with a degree in Structural Engineering.

Jack resided with his family in Lowell, MA and was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church.

John P. Scannell was a proud and distinguished World War II veteran. His first mission was in England with the 304th -- 610 Ordinance Battalion where he was responsible to maintain, supply and service all ordinance equipment needed by invasion troops. The day after D-Day a directive came down from Allied Supreme Command, due to the tremendous amount of casualties incurred, volunteers were requested from the service troops in England. Two weeks later he landed in Normandy on Omaha Beach as a replacement. He served as Staff Sergeant in the United States Army as a member of the 8th Infantry Division, 121st Infantry Regiment 3rd Battalion. A decorated World War II veteran he was awarded 2 Bronze Service Stars (Central Europe Campaigns and Service for the Rhineland), Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal.

Before retiring Mr. Scannell was President of Scannell Boiler Works, which was founded in 1860, and President of Lowell Iron and Steel Corp. In addition, he was a former member of the Knights of Columbus, Lowell Lodge of Elks, and the American Legion. He was a founding member of the Lowell Regatta Festival Committee and the Clover Club. Mr. Scannell served on the Board of Directors of Notre Dame Academy, Tyngsboro, MA. He was also a lifetime member of Vesper Country Club and the Lowell Motor Boat Club.

Jack and Corinne loved boating and spent countless hours on their boat the "SIX-S". He and his wife were fortunate enough to travel to most parts of the world and more recently took several cruises with family and friends. Mr. Scannell was one of the original Golden Gloves supporters, holding season tickets for over 60 years. Jack's most treasured time was spent with his children and their families.

Mr. Scannell is survived by his son, John P. Scannell, Jr. and his wife, Ann M. (Elie) of Lowell, MA and their children, Amy L. Scannell and her husband, Robert H. Rogerson, Colleen A. Scannell, Patrick J. Scannell and Brian J. Scannell; a daughter, Donna M. (Scannell) and her husband, Peter E. Richards of Lowell, MA and their daughter, Kathryn P. Richards; a daughter, Carol L. (Scannell) and her husband, Paul F. Sauer, MD of Birmingham, AL and their sons, Paul F. Sauer, Jr. and John P. Sauer; a daughter, M. Gail Scannell and her husband, Louis J. Champagne with whom he made his home. He also leaves a great-grandson, Evan John Rogerson of Lowell, MA.

Mr. Scannell was brother to his surviving siblings, Cornelia Donnellon and her husband, Sam of Erie, PA, and Mary Slattery and her husband, Joseph of Old Orchard Beach, ME. He was brother-in-law of George E. Murphy, Jr. and his wife, Gloria, Ellen Slattery Scannell, Fusayo Sakasegawa Scannell, and Rita Scannell.

He was the brother of the late Philip L. Scannell, Jr., Robert F. Scannell, and James E. Scannell. Mr. Scannell was predeceased by his sisters-in-law, Helen M. Paturzo and Marvenna Gallant.

Jack also leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and his constant companion, "Lucky".

SCANNELL -- In Lowell, May 17, 2011, at home, John P. Scannell, Sr. 88, husband of the late M. Corinne (Murphy) Scannell. Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST, LOWELL from 4 to 8 P.M. Friday. His funeral will take place from the funeral home on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock followed by a Funeral Mass at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH at 11 o'clock. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. E-condolence/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866)458-8768.