William J. O'Connell

William J. O'Connell was local schoolteacher, coach, WWII vet; 84 SHIRLEY William John O'Connell, of Shirley, died Tuesday, October 23, 2007, at Rivercourt Residence in Groton. He was the husband of the late Mary L. (Foley) O'Connell, to whom he had been married for 51 years. He was born in Cambridge, July 12, 1923, a son of Irish Immigrants the late Mortimer and Julia (O'Neil) O'Connell. He spent his early life in Medford where he attended the schools. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served as a Military Policeman during World War II. After his military service, he later graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in education. A High School Teacher for many years. Mr. O'Connell was a popular teacher and coach and taught at Tewksbury, Burlington, and later at Ayer Junior and Senior High School from 1971 to 1986. Mr. O'Connell was an avid Bridge player and was known for his booming voice and out going personality. He is survived by his 4 children, Jeanne RayCondon of Alexandria, Va., Thomas J. O'Connell and Joseph W. O'Connell, both of Jacksonville, FL, and Carol Schaeffer and her husband , Steven of Shirley; a daughter-in-law, Boonnam; his grandchildren, Senee, Meagan, Joseph, Julia, Mike, Danny, Kristina, Stevie, Jacklyn; and great-granddaughter, Alexis. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Ruth Hardy and Thelma Foley; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also the brother of the late Joe O'Connell, Mary (O'Connell) Mahoney, father-in-law of the late Gilbert Ray, and brother-in-law of the late Jack, Billy, Helen, and Tommy Foley, and the late Richard Hardy. Bill will be missed sorely by all who knew him family friends, former students, and those who cared for him in his last months. O'CONNELL of Shirley, October 23, 2007, William J. O'Connell. A Funeral Mass of Christian will be held 10 A.M. Saturday Oct 27, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Phoenix St., Shirley. Visiting Hours Friday 5-8 P.M. at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. O'Connell's memory to the Nashoba Nursing Service and Hospice, 2 Shaker Rd., Suite D 225, Shirley, MA 01464.