In Memory

Kenneth O'Connell

Kenneth O'Connell

 

Kenneth Drew O'Connell age 72 of Newton passed away on Monday, September 17, 2018 in Waltham, Massachusetts

Ken was born in Winchester, Massachusetts on January 10, 1946 the son of the late William and Marjorie (Jameson) O'Connell.

Ken was laid to rest in the family burial plot at East Cemetery, Hollis, NH.



 
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11/23/18 09:43 PM #1    

Alan Crosby

I spoke with the Funeral Director at the Concord Funeral Home. Ken came in a year before his passing and made his own arrangements. Just wanted to be laid to rest with his Mother and Father...no formal obit. I was told Kenny passed from the effects of Alzheimer's. Was friends from FA Day and HS. And followed his Football career at Harvard, where he was a Fullback. Was a good friend. RIP Kenny


11/26/18 07:20 PM #2    

Carolyn Zolli (Hanson)

It's so sad to think that Ken is gone.  I don't remember a time in my school years--elementary through high school--when Kenny wasn't there.  He was an outstanding kid from his earliest days at Carr School so it's not at all surprising that he went on to Harvard and played for the Crimson.  My deepest condolences to his family and those friends who knew him through our years at NHS and beyond.


11/30/18 12:00 PM #3    

Roger Watson

I have struggled with writing these comments about Kenny, ever since Alan Crosby told me of his death. I expect some of you may feel that this not the right forum for my comments but I believe that we should learn from those who die and Kenny's death has brought that home to me.

Kenny and I played football together in our junior and senior years and other than that there was not a real connection between us, more acquaintances than friends. However, his death has caused me to have to face a severe failing within me and perhaps you as well.

When I read Alan's brief words and the simple statement of his obituary, something struck a nerve within me. What I am about to write is based on an assumption about Kenny's death, an assumption that I would happily be corrected on.

From the obituary to Kenny's cause of death, Alzheimer's, it struck me that Kenny may have died alone. Alzheimer's is a disease that locks a person in solitary darkness cut off from the world. My pain stems not from just the passing of a teammate but the picture in my mind of Ken entering into that abyss by himself without support, encouragement and a friendly face or word to take with him on that journey. How many of my classmates are in that situation, facing the world and death without someone to walk the last part of that journey with them. 

In the Marine Corps, and likely other branches of service, there is a silent promise that no Marine will be left behind and that pertains not just to the battlefield but whenever the opportunity arises to help one who has been "wounded." Kenny was wounded and seemingly left behind. I left him behind.

Do you know of one of our classmates who is in need of encouragement, a kind word, or even just a chance to know that one or some of his or her classmates remember them? Would a call or a letter from me have made Kenny better - no. Would a call or a message from me have made a difference in his journey, perhaps? I will never know. Would a call or a message from you make a difference? Find out now or you may never know.

If you know of a classmate or classmates in similar circumstances or could just use a word from an old classmate, please share that person with others so they can respond. I believe it will make a vast difference in their lives and our own. It is too late for me to have a relationship with Kenny but it is not too late for me to add meaning to Kenny's life and death. Let's find a forum where we can share with each other the names and contact points of classmates you know, that many of us also know, that are struggling for whatever reason so that we can reach out to them.  

None of our classmates should be left behind. I wish I hadn't left Kenny behind.

Dave Bliss is someone who could use an encouraging word from any of you that would reach out to him.  Dave's wife's name is Debbie. You may have to reintroduce yourself to David.

           Contact Info: Address - 1725 Republic St, San Diego, CA 92114 

                                Phone   -   619.372.6348   

 


12/02/18 11:54 AM #4    

Anne C. Bromilow

I have happy memories of watching Kenny and Woody (Steve Woodruff) joke around with Mr. McCarthy in our 8th grade home room. They excelled at junior high humor. Kenny was my date for the 8th grade dance. Although I saw a lot less of Kenny in high school, I do remember going water skiing on Lake Cochituate with Kenny, Woody and Carolyn Carder.

 

I am sorry that Kenny had Alzheimer’s. My mother died from it and it is a devastating disease, stealing not just memory but much of one’s personality. A donation to the Alzheimer’s Association might be a nice way to remember Kenny.


12/04/18 07:10 PM #5    

Ronald Arra

I am so sorry to hear of my best High School Friend Kenny O’Connell passing away so soon. I tried hard to locate Kenny with no luck. I lived in Needham back in High School and Kenny would drive his dads car to my house to pick me up for school dances and sporting events so I would not miss out on the fun.My dad worked at night so Ken helped me every time we had a event at Newton High. “God Bless my Teamate” that I will never forget him. Great memories for Sure !   His Friend. Ron Arra


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