Gary O’Connell

Gary F. O'Connell, 67, of Springvale, died peacefully, on Monday, January 24, 2022, in Biddeford. Gary was born in Sanford Maine on November 2, 1954, to Fred and Fay (Otis) O'Connell. He grew up in Sanford where he attended local schools and graduated from Sanford High School in 1973. In his childhood Gary was a very accomplished athlete starring in football, basketball, and baseball culminating in high school with All State recognition in football, a league wide scoring title in basketball, and being awarded the Campbell Cup at graduation as the senior class's most outstanding athlete at Sanford High. As Gary transitioned into adulthood he embraced spending time with his son Shane, and loved that Shane played the same sports that he had played in his youth. He often coached Shane, but if he couldn't he always cheered for his son from the sidelines. Gary also enjoyed family get togethers such as BBQ's, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. He was quick witted and loved to watch Jeopardy. In addition, Gary had numerous hobbies; metal detecting, collecting coins, fantasy baseball and football, and gardening/landscaping his yard. Though he had multiple jobs Gary found himself running the receiving department at Home Depot in Biddeford for 25 years. Until he retired in 2020 with the hopes of spending more time with his 3 grandchildren. Being a grandfather was where Gary shined the brightest. His love and dedication to Kaden, Sophia, and Keegan was unmatched. Before his health began to fail, he didn't miss a practice, game, or a recital. Any event they had he was there. He talked about them with anyone that would listen, everywhere he went. The pride he had in them could fill the biggest room in the world. Gary is predeceased by his father Fred O'Connell. His grandparents Frank and Annie O'Connell & Paul and Evelina Otis. Surviving are his mother Fay O'Connell, and Uncle Wes Otis cousin Kris Otis, and his son Tyler Otis; his sister, Donna O'Connell; his niece, Julie Letourneau and her children, Zachary and Mackenzie Gonzalez; his niece Janna Donohue and her husband Ryan Donohue as well as their children, Liam and Owen Donohue; his sister, Kelly O'Connell-Guay and brother-in-law Edmond Guay; his nephews, Tyler and Kyle Guay; his brother, Ryan O'Connell and sister-in-law Christina O'Connell and nieces Kristen and Megan O'Connell; his son, Shane O'Connell and daughter-in-law Kendra O'Connell as well as their children, his grandchildren Kaden, Sophia, and Keegan O'Connell. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, February 4th at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, located at 580 Main Street in Springvale. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.