John "J.P." O'Connell, 49, of Kenosha, passed away Tuesday, February 21st, 2006, at Grande Prairie Nursing Home and Rehab Center with his loving wife and family at his side. Born February 1, 1957, in Detroit, MI, he was the son of C. Edward and Theresa (Noonan) O'Connell. He came to Kenosha in 1973 with his family. On March 31, 2001, he married Joyce "J.J." Perry. He had been employed by Abbott Laboratories for 15 years, most recently as a supervisor, computer hardware repair. He retired in 2004, due to ill health. He was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He played Guitar in many local bands and repaired guitars. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family that he loved and cared for so much. He also enjoyed driving and working on his Corvette's, computers or anything that was a challenge. He loved to read and learn. He is survived by his wife, Joyce "J.J." of Kenosha; a daughter, Erin M. O'Connell of Chicago, IL; three step-children, Brian Johnson and Jeremy and Danielle Schmickel, all of Kenosha; his parents, Ed and Theresa of Kenosha; and two sisters, Nancy (Tom) Parmentier of Pleasant Prairie and Linda (Virgil) Espino of San Antonio, Texas. The family would like to convey a special Thank You to Grande Prairie for all of their special care. Also to his family and friends for the support at The Cancer Benefit for John, that made his last day THE BEST DAY. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 25th, from Proko Funeral Home at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Barb Pardue
To the family of John O'ConnellI knew John as a fellow employee of Abbott. John was always very helpful and pleasant. He really enjoyed his job. He will be missed. My prayers are with you.Regards,Barb Pardue
Jim Tessmar
Young guys with loud guitars - can life be any better? John replied to my questions about the party last Saturday. That statement represents a major theme in John's life - the guitar. Whether he was playing it, at home or at the guitar masses in church or in bands or fixing one or teaching others about it. The guitar, music, and John's soul all intertwined. Besides music, he loved to help people. When I went through the crowd on Sunday, I asked people how they knew John and it was always John helped me . . . as Debbie said when my car broke down, or as Scott said he taught me lessons on the guitar, or as Paul said he helped me fix something at home or as Jim said he just listened. What a life!! To have something to be passionate about - his music - and to have friends passionate about him. John will not have to wonder how people will remember him. They had the opportunity to tell him on Sunday where between 500 and 1,000 of his friends showed up to honor him. As he moved from person to person, I saw John's touch and words reach out to each of his friends. When I left the party, I saw John sitting front row center - seeing and remembering young kids with loud guitars. Jim
Renita Caddy
I enjoyed working with John. He always had a positive attitude and a sparkle in his eye. My heart goes out to John's family. Renita
Craig Hunt
Hard to believe it's been 20 years since we first met at Lynn's store. Face it John, the influence you've had on so many people's lives, has been nothing but positive.Even the energy at Sunday's gathering, was nothing short of amazing.I can't even begin to express my gratitude for all the knowledge you've shared w/ me over the years. Those memories will be with me until we meet again.Craig, Barb Oliak-Hunt and Kourtney
Gene \GNO\" Covelli"
When I saw John at Grand Prairie during my show Songs of Yesteryear Feb.14th 2006. (I was the sweaty guy in black)I asked him how he was doing? He said, "I'm livin through it GNO, I'm livin through it". He was a brilliant gentleman. I met him when he was workin at Lynn's music store in Racine back in the 70's.He became a guy we all looked up to. He lived through it right up to the end. Now, it's our turn to live through it. The turn out for John at his benefit last Saturday proves just how much and how many of us will miss him.Rock on Johnny, Gene Covelli
Patti Maguire
John was a wonderful person, though I know everyone will say this, and I appreciate that everyone was able to attend the benefit for John. Though I can only imagine what the family is going through at this time, I hope and pray that everything will be okay. I know deep in my heart that John is happy, pain free, and is at peace.Again, my thoughts and prayers are with John's family and John's friends.God Bless