Roy E. "Buddy" O'Connell, Jr.

Roy E. "Buddy" O'Connell, Jr., passed away on July 15, 2023, at Lahey Hospital in Burlington. He was 92.

He was born on January 10, 1931, in Malden to the late Roy E. O'Connell Sr. and Helen (McMullin) O'Connell. The family moved around a lot when he was young, but he spent much of his upbringing living in Kingston, New Hampshire.

On September 4, 1955 he married Ruth P. Dunn at Saint Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill and the couple settled in Waltham where they would raise their family.    

Roy was a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many through his dedication and commitment in various roles throughout his life. During his early years, he proudly served in the United States Army, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his country. After his military service and completing his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology, he pursued a career as a machinist at Northeast Laboratory Machine Company. Over the years, his hard work and dedication led him to rise through the ranks and eventually become the Manager and Vice President of the machine shop. His expertise and leadership skills greatly contributed to the success of the company.

In his later years before retirement, Roy transitioned to a different profession and worked as a janitor at the post office for eight years, a job he enjoyed and approached with unwavering professionalism and a positive attitude.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Roy had several passions and interests that brought him joy throughout his life. He had an unmatched love for fishing and gardening, finding solace amidst nature's beauty. One of his cherished pastimes was spending quality time at his cottage in Naples, Maine, surrounded by friends and loved ones on the picturesque Sebago Lake. Roy 's resourcefulness was evident as he personally built the kitchen and bathroom at the cottage.

Family meant everything to Roy, and he is now reunited with his wife and the love of his life, the late Ruth P. (Dunn) O'Connell, who passed in 2017. He also treasured the bond he shared with his late siblings, Blanche Cardavelli, Henry "Henny" O'Connell, John O'Connell, Robert O'Connell, Virginia Whitcomb,  and "Little Sister O'Connell" who passed at a very young age. He was also the stepbrother of the late Raymond Connell.

Roy is survived by his loving sons, Roger E. O'Connell of Waltham and William R. O'Connell of Gulfport, Florida. He also leaves behind his sisters, Marilyn Olitsky and her late husband, Morris, of Dorchester and Marie Love and her husband, Eddie, of Medfield; his sister-in-law Sally O'Connell of Homosassa, Florida, and many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish their memories of him.

Family and friends will honor and remember Roy's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, July 21st from 4-7 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.