James W. O'Connell, Ed.D., 83, of Ashland, Massachusetts passed away Sunday, February 21 after a short illness.  James leaves his wife of 61 years, Diane (Lamberti) O'Connell; his three children: Maureen Flanigan and her husband Neil of Ashland; Kevin O'Connell and his wife Joanne of Holliston; and Erin Ryder and her husband David of Whitinsville; grandchildren Leah (and husband Raymond), Brendan, Jillian, Matthew, Christopher and Fiona; a great-granddaughter, Gracen; sister, Patricia O'Rourke, sister in law, Lucille O'Connell, and his brother-in-law, Leonard Lamberti, of Eliot, Maine.

Born in Franklin, Massachusetts in 1937, James was a life-long educator and administrator.  He received a Bachelors degree from Northeastern University, a Masters degree from Framingham State University, and a Doctorate degree from Boston College.  He enjoyed long affiliations with Holliston Public Schools and Framingham State University.  He loved his work and family and was admired by all who knew him.

Due to Covid 19, services are private.  A Celebration of Life for friends and family will follow in early summer.  In lieu of flowers, donations in James's memory to The Timothy O'Connell Foundation ( www.timsteam.org ) are welcome.