John O'Connell

John Lawton O'Connell age 94, of Charlotte, died on Sunday April 22, 2012 at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte. He was born on December 20, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Joseph and Mabel Boutilier O'Connell. Mr. O'Connell was a WWII US Coast Guard and US Navy Veteran. He served as a Boatswain 2nd class during the Asiatic-Pacific campaign evacuating women and children from Singapore and also served in the Philippine defense /European theater. He transported English troops from Halifax to Singapore under the Lend-Lease Act with Lord Mount Batten, pre WWII. He worked for 23 years at Carolina Medical Center as a cabinet maker. He was a member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church of Charlotte. In New York, he was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America; he served on the vestry and was a Sunday School teacher at New York Episcopal church. He was a volunteer for Shepard Center for 13 years and a member of the 'Jolly Roller' bowlers for 9 years . He was awarded many gold medals from local and State Senior Games Inc. in bowling, badminton and swimming . His favorite pastime was telling stories, and jokes which many people loved. Mr O'Connell is survived by his wife of 15 years, Virginia Williams O'Connell of Charlotte; one son, Dennis O'Connell and his wife Elinor of Myrtle Beach, SC, one daughter Sandra Britt and husband Wayne of Charlotte, a daughter in-law Dianne O'Connell of Charlotte and 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, one great-great. He was predeceased by his son , Richard O'Connell. A celebration of his life will be held on May 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church of Charlotte, 2701 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209 Memorial Donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes, 217 West Todd Lane Charlotte, NC 28208-1152, Shepherd Center of Charlotte 3115 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28211 or to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Games, Inc. 2225 Tyvola Road Charlotte, NC 28210. Palmetto Funeral Home 2049 Carolina Place Drive Fort Mill, SC. is assisting the family.

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