James J. O'Connell, Sr

Cranston James J. O'Connell, Sr., 93, of Cranston, returned to his creator on Monday, June 27, 2016. He was the husband of the late Edwina I. (Wilkicki) O'Connell. Born in North Adams, Massachusetts on October 30, 1922, a son of the late James E. and Mary L. (Huguenard) O'Connell, he lived most of his life in Cranston.Jim graduated from Cranston East High School in 1941, and began his apprenticeship in the funeral business. He graduated from the New England Institute of Anatomy and Sanitary Science in Boston, Massachusetts in 1943, and worked as an Embalmer and Funeral Director for the Prata Funeral Home in Providence for over twenty years. He later became a sales representative for the M. Solomon Casket Company of Cranston, Rhode Island until his retirement in 2003.He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Cranston Council # 1738, Hamilton House Senior Community Center, and was a faithful communicant of Saint Mark Church, Cranston.Jim leaves a brother, William E. O'Connell, two sisters, Kathleen M. Weber and Mary Lou T. Dutra, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was pre deceased by his only son, James J. O'Connell, Jr. Esquire, and his sister Claire F. DuPont. The funeral will be held Saturday, at 8:45 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road (Rt. 117) Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint Mark Church, Cranston. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. Visiting hours Friday 4:00 -7:00 pm. Donations to Saint Mark Church, 9 Garden Court, Cranston, RI 02920 in his memory would be appreciated. SERVICES Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, July 02, 201610:00 AM Saint Mark Church 9 Garden Court Cranston, RI 02920