Kevin J. O'Connell

In the 76 years Kevin James O’Connell spent living, he was best known for his sarcasm, love of golf, and complete adoration of family but that all came to a sudden end Tuesday, June 27th, 2023, when Kevin passed away after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Mary E. O’Connell. Born in Dorchester, MA, son of the late John and Mary (Sheehan) O’Connell, Kevin grew up in Braintree. He later relocated to Easton and eventually moved to Lakeville in the early ‘90s when he married Mary before settling in Fairhaven to be by the ocean.

His journey with the love of his life, Mary, began with a slow dance to the song “For the First Time” at Vincent’s nightclub in Randolph which later became their wedding song. Generous, loyal, and brave, “Big Kev”, as he was affectionately known by, loved traveling to Aruba, St. Maarten, Las Vegas and visiting family in Iowa and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There wasn’t a place he traveled to where he didn’t scope out where the closest casino was. He and Mary loved to play the slot machines. His great discernment and natural ability to know when to walk away from the machines was impressive.

Starting his day at Mac’s Soda Bar for breakfast was an integral part of Kevin’s routine each day. With his wife, Mary, Kevin loved to take long car rides in his corvette on warm, summer evenings listening to classic rock. Kevin had an unquenchable thirst for his favorite TV shows such as “Survivor”, “Blue Bloods” and several other shows he’d look forward to watching. He formed deep friendships while working at New England Telephone (Verizon) where he started working right after graduating from Braintree High School. After dedicating well over three decades to the company, Kevin retired. He spent his retirement years enjoying his family and took great pride working for a friend doing airport shuttle runs, meeting people from all over.

Kevin could be found sitting on his front porch, looking out at the boats coming in and out of the harbor, keeping track of all the happenings in the neighborhood. It was due to this that he earned his reputation as the “Mayor” of the small beach community he called home. Kevin was one of those quiet guys that always did things for other people, yet never missed a beat.

Kevin loved his family dearly. His wife and children were the light of his life and his relationship with his sister Marylyn was absolutely cherished. Everyone who knew Kevin felt his big heart and giving nature. He will be missed especially by his ten grandchildren, with whom he spent countless hours swing-and stroller-pushing, walking them to the beach, taking them to the park and numerous other activities.

Kevin loved fiercely and deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that Kevin is now at peace surrounded by light. He is survived by his wife, Mary; son James (Taylor) and his wife Danielle; daughters, Dr. Kelley (Kacergis) and her husband Peter; Kerry (Palaiologos) and her husband Dr. George; Dr. Kemmy (Taylor) and husband Dr. Mischa Doman; 10 grandchildren, Madison, Logan, Nadja, Brenna, Reese, George, Alanna, Aryana, Halle and Tate; his sisters Marylyn (West) and Jacquelyn (Hanlon). Kevin also had two children from a previous marriage.

He was predeceased by his brother, John (O’Connell).

His memorial will be held Wednesday, July 5th from 4-7pm at the Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home 280 Bedford Street Lakeville, MA.

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