John S. O'Connell, Sr.

John S. O’Connell, 91, resident of Winchester, NH, died March 20, 2021 in Jacksonville, NC. He was born in Lexington, MA on April 13, 1929 to David F. O’Connell and Hermina (Sikora) O’Connell and moved to a farm in Amherst, NH when he was 8. John is predeceased by his wife, Claire (Raymond) O’Connell with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. They made their home in Amherst for over 40 years raising their 5 children. After retirement they split their time between S. Gouldsboro, ME and Brooksville, FL. John was a proud lumberman. After working for Lorden Lumber he became a co-owner of P. J. Currier Lumber Co. in Amherst where he remained until retirement in 1986. He also loved to sing and was a member of the Souhegan Men’s Chorus in the early years and a faithful member of The Barnstormers, participating in their 5 annual concerts well into his late 80s. John had a soft heart for rescue animals and adopted many. Following the loss of Claire, John shared his life with Arlayne Smith until her passing in the summer of 2020. They traveled between their homes in Fort Plain, NY, and Brooksville and then New Port Richey, FL, avoiding the cold winters of the northeast and the summer humidity of Florida. Family members include four daughters Christine Callopy, Savannah, GA, Catherine O’Connell Jacksonville, NC, Colleen O’Connell and husband Ray Gagnon from Amherst, NH and Carole Monroe and husband Charles Champagne from Dublin, NH and one son, John S. O’Connell Jr and wife Mary O’Connell from Little Orleans, MD; ten grandchildren - Cai Ann Marshall and her husband Anthony Marshall, Melanie Fisher and her husband Ed Fisher, Benjamin Monroe and his wife Anne Lissett, Jose Berry and his wife Nicole Berry, Enny Berry, Jon Berry, Brendan O’Connell, Julia O’Connell, Sam Gagnon and Hannah Gagnon; and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Dorothea Offutt, 100, from Ocoee, FL, his brother Steve O’Connell from Taylorsville, CA and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Margaret Cheney and Ruth Albertson, and brother David O’Connell. A graveside service will be held on June 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Merrimack Road, Amherst, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Animal Rescue League of NH 545 Route 101 Bedford, NH 03110.