John D. O'Connell Jr.

John D. O’Connell Jr., 96, resident of Milford, NH, died on April 29, 2023 at the Crestwood Nursing Home after a period of declining health.

He was born on January 25, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA a son of the late John and Kathleen (Kelly) O’Connell.

John was raised and educated in Philadelphia. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer after a distinguished thirty-year career.

He married Janet (Romanowicz) in 1953, and, after being stationed in Massachusetts, Hawaii, California, The Philippines, Washington DC, Alaska, Japan, and Texas, together made their home here in Milford since 1972. John and Janet were faithful communicants of St. Patrick Church for many years and enjoyed volunteering time with the Thomas Moore College in Merrimack. He was a longtime member of the Nashua Choral Society and the New England Chapter of the US Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Janet in 2008.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen R. O’Connell and her husband Peter Goldsmith of Manhattan, NY as well as his brother Charles O’Connell and many nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A calling hour will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055. Following the visitation, a Mass of Christian burial will take place at 12:00 PM in the St. Patrick Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH 03055. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Milford, NH with full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in John’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.