Arthur O'Connell died peacefully in the company of his family on the evening of Friday, October 14, 2016 after a brief illness.

Arthur Vincent O'Connell was born in Cranston, RI on April 8th 1921. With the exception of Arthur's military service he lived only in his home town.  Arthur was born into a formidable family, his spirit and identity forged by the forces of his five brothers.

Beloved by all fortunate enough to have known him, Arthur was a quiet and unassuming wonder.

Devoted husband, Arthur doted on his late wife Catherine throughout their sixty-four years together. In the three years since Catherine died Arthur visited her grave every day.

Kind and generous father and grandfather, Arthur and Catherine always emphasized education in a loving home. Both their children Janet and Martin have prospered as a result.

Devout Catholic, Arthur was a communicant of Holy Apostles Church in Cranston. For many years Arthur worked diligently for Catholic Charities and for Catholic social service agencies.

Patriot and war hero, Arthur rarely spoke of his experiences throughout the South Pacific as a member of the 43rd Infantry. Arthur joined the Army in 1938 to help support his family. He was recognized as a young man of extraordinary intellect, and was trained as a Combat Medic and language expert. When asked for war stories, he would shake his head and reply "I wish I could forget". In May of this year he was awarded the Rhode Island Cross. It was then, at age 95, his family learned he was the recipient of two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star. After the War Arthur moved home to Cranston and began a thirty year career at Quonsett Point Naval Air Station. Arthur was an active member of the VFW and met weekly with a veterans group, which was very important to him.

Lifelong athlete, right up until two weeks ago Arthur was at the Cranston YMCA at five am three times a week to swim, and spoke often about the other die~hards with whom he worked out.

Quality time with close family members Bart Brennan, Tim and Diane Brennan, and Jaquie and John D'Auria was extraordinarily important to Arthur.

Arthur is survived by his daughter Janet and her husband Rob, son Martin and his wife Lesa, grandchildren Brennan, Graeme, Laurel, Lauren, and Yvonne, especially beloved nieces Maureen and Regina, and brothers Ernest and Francis. Arthur was predeceased by his wife Catherine and brothers Norman, Edward, and Donald.

Goodnight, Arthur. Arthur, Goodnight. We'll see you in our dreams.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 8:45 AM from THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Road, Cranston.  Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Monday, October 17, 2016 from 4 PM - 7 PM.  Entombment with military honors will follow in Our Risen Christ Mausoleum in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.  

Gifts in his memory may be made to:  Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston, RI 02921.

 

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