John P. O’Connell

John Patrick O’Connell, a longtime resident of Dedham, died Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at his home in Dedham. He was 66. Okie was born October 14, 1954 in Methuen, Massachusetts, one of the eleven children of John Patrick and Margaret (Chapman) O’Connell. He graduated from Haverhill High School with the Class of 1972. He proudly played football during high school and continued at Bridgewater State College where he earned his Bachelor’s degree with the Class of 1976. It was at Bridgewater State that he met his future wife, Gail Marie Bradbury. After college Okie started O’Connell Fence Company which he ran for 15+ years. He changed careers and became an ironworker with Local 7.  In addition to Ironworkers Local Union 7 he was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and the Norwood Elks. Okie was the husband of the late Gail Marie (Bradbury) O’Connell and is survived by his two daughters, Keryn Anne LaCivita, and her husband Nicholas, of Mansfield, and Lisa Marie O’Connell of East Boston; his son John Patrick O’Connell of Abington; and his five beloved grandchildren, Brooklyn, Maelyn, Emily, Audrey, and Nolan. Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral Mass Saturday November 21, 2020 at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church, 420 High Street, Dedham. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105-9959 would be appreciated.