Daniel Francis O'Connell

Daniel O’Connell of Eastham, formerly of Sharon, passed away at the age of 86 on March 13, 2023 at Cape Cod Hospital after a long period of declining health. He was so happy he was able go to out to a restaurant to celebrate his birthday with his family on March 2, 2023.

He was born to John and Anne O’Connell, March 2, 1937 and grew up in Cambridge. He was born into a large family and was one of eleven

children. He was very proud of his large family and if he could find a stranger or acquaintance to listen to his stories, he would begin with “I was one of eleven…..” and if his children were in earshot, they would roll their eyes and laugh, as they had heard that story so often. Family was of utmost importance in his life. He also had a very strong work ethic beginning early on as a newspaper delivery boy. He always said proudly that he sold more newspapers than anyone, anywhere.

Dan graduated from Boston College in 1958 with a business degree and began his working career as an Insurance Claims Adjuster. He worked until he was 70 and regretted his retirement. He always said if you love your job, you never work a day in your life!

He met his wife Margaret (Kerivan) at a dance and it was love at first sight. They married in 1961 and began a family. They resided in Sharon and vacationed in Eastham every summer. In 1979, they found a lot of land to buy and Dan said he would buy it only if he could see the water from his deck. Once the house was built, the second story deck became known as “Daddy’s Deck” memorialized by a buoy that was hung on the deck and there he would sit and enjoy the fruits of his labor while staring out at the bay. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling with Margaret. They would go to Hilton Head or Florida for a couple weeks every winter. After his wife died, he began an annual tradition, with his daughter Kerry, going to Las Vegas to play cards and see the shows. After being bit by the gambling bug, his brothers and sisters would all get together at a designated house and play cards where they enjoyed good food and company and took many trips down memory lane. He so loved those games. He was unable to make the trip to city the last couple of years due to mobility issues but he still talked about the fun he had when he was able to attend.

Dan is survived by his daughters Kerry of Eastham, Kristine of Orleans, his sons Thomas of Brewster and Peter (Debbie) of Nebraska as well as his two grandsons Ryan and Daniel. He was so proud of all of them. He also leaves his siblings John, Harold, Robert, Roberta, Catherine, James, Dennis and Stephen. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret of 42 years, son Daniel and brothers Arthur (Okie) and Gerald.

His visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 4-6PM in the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA. His funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 11AM in St. Joan of Arc Church, 61 Canal Road Orleans followed by his burial in Orleans Cemetery, Orleans, MA.

In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the Kennedy Donovan Center, which empowers adults to live independently in the community.