John “Jack” F. Connell

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of retiree John “Jack” F. Connell on May 11. He was 80.

Jack was born on August 14, 1935, to John and Anna (Cashman) Connell Bain in Hyde Park, Mass. On May 24, 1958, he married Eileen McCarthy in Dedham, Mass.

Jack served his country in the Coast Guard and was a graduate of Northeastern University. His career path led him to research of the environment and oceans. He began his career at WHOI in 1972 as a research assistant. He was promoted to research assistant II in 1976.  In 1980, he was promoted to senior research assistant.  He retired in 1983.  He was especially grateful to be able to travel on expeditions around the world.

After coming ashore, Jack was an innkeeper at the Claddagh Tavern in West Harwich where he proudly served customers and told sea stories for many years.

He was a proud member and leader of many veterans’ organizations and the Ancient order of Hibernians.

Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eileen and his four loving children: his daughter Cathleen of Boston; his sons, John and wife Patricia of Chatham; Clifford of Holden; and William of West Harwich; 10 grandchildren; Brendan, Sarah, Bryan, Sean, Megan, Joseph, Liam, Mary, Julia and John; niece Janis Connell Taylor; as well as many great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, Jerimiah Bain, and his brother William “Bill” Connell.

Visiting hours were May 15 and a burial with military honors was at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass. A life celebration was followed at the Cape Cod Claddagh Tavern in West Harwich, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a veteran’s charity of your choice.

Some of the information for this obituary is from the Boston Globe.