James Henry O'Connell, Jr.

James Henry O'Connell Jr., age 65, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at his home in Mendon, Massachusetts.  Born in Needham, Massachusetts, he was the son of James Henry O'Connell and Betty Jane O'Connell Arnold.  Jim was raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1976.  Following his graduation, Jim spent a year working before returning to his education, enrolling in the engineering program at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.  Jim spent some time in Wentworth's co-op program, gaining valuable work experience before his graduation in 1982.

Jim was employed by MKS Instruments in Franklin as a technician since 1985. He was very proud of his loyalty and longevity with the company where he built many friendships along the way.

Throughout his life, Jim loved being outdoors.  He looked forward to visiting his vacation home in Maine, taking his ATV out through the woods, or paddling his kayak on the water.  After a day exploring the beauty of the natural world around him, Jim turned to his favorite books, taking his mind on an adventure through the fictional world of Stephen King. He enjoyed reading with his beloved cat, Emily, sitting on his lap.  Jim always had a curious mind, and enjoyed looking into the towns he lived in, looking for any clues and stories that described the history.  Some of the clues he turned to were old maps, which he proudly displayed in his recently curated "map room" at his home.  While Jim enjoyed some peaceful and quiet moments, he truly loved being surrounded by his family and friends.  He looked forward to attending many NASCAR races, visiting the Daytona, Dover, and New Hampshire Motor Speedways, often with family and friends sitting right beside him. 

Devoted son of Betty Jane O'Connell Arnold of Norwood and the late James Henry O'Connell.

Loving brother of Jane Manton and her late husband, Ron, of Jacksonville, Florida and Jill Eno and her husband, Henry, of East Walpole.

Cherished uncle of Henry James Eno of East Walpole.

Survived by his longtime companion, Suzanne Rougeau, of Plainville.

Stepbrother of Elise White and her husband, David, of Nashua, New Hampshire and the late Tammy Devine and her surviving husband, Chris, of Nashua, New Hampshire.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim's Life Celebration on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Funeral Home Service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM.  Interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023 or at https://diabetes.org/