Eugene F. O'Connell, 89, formerly of Montpelier and most recently of Mayo Nursing Home in Northfield, died with his family at his side, on Saturday July 25, 2009 in Randolph at Gifford Medical Center. He was born November 9, 1919 in Bridgeport, Ct, the son of Arthur and Caroline (Schilke) O'Connell. He attended schools in Bridgeport, and graduated from Central High School. He attended Peekskill Military Academy prior to accepting a baseball scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross, graduating in 1944. An enduring love of the game of baseball brought Gene to Vermont to play summer league baseball where he met his future wife, Henrietta LaRose, whom he married on January 15, 1945, in Newport, R.I. Gene enlisted in the Navy in March 1943 serving in the Pacific theater on the USS Dauphin. Following active service he continued to serve in the Naval Reserve where he was honorably discharged in 1958. After the war, Gene worked first with Bridgeport Brass Company and later with Chance Vought Aircraft. During this time he continued to play baseball, both for Lenox in the AA league and on the Chance Vought company team. Moving to Vermont in 1949 Gene again played for the Twin City team of the Northern League as he had in the early 40s. Through the years he stayed active by playing, coaching and umpiring baseball. He was a longtime member of the Vermont Football Officials Association and also a basketball referee. Gene worked for many years with his father-in-law, Alexander LaRose, at Al's Upholstery Shop. Future employment included the State of Vermont's Department of Finance and National Life Insurance Company from which he retired in 1986. Gene was happiest helping others as evidenced by his years of volunteer work. He served as a legal financial guardian assisting numerous individuals. He was very active with AARP at both local and state levels of their Adult Literacy Program as well as Tax Aide Assistance. In 2002 he was the recipient of the Governor's Award for Outstanding Community Service. In 2006 he was the Vermont recipient of the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service for his many years of work with the Tax Aide Program. After moving to Mayo he spent many hours reading to and visiting with the other residents. Gene is easily remembered for his kind smile, the sparkle in his eyes as he listened and his quick yet gentle humor. During his retirement years he spent many hours gardening and the vegetable harvests were always shared. He was quick to travel to sporting events, recitals, graduations -- anything that involved family. He was excited to attend his granddaughter Whitney's recent wedding in June. Though not a native Vermonter, Gene loved his adopted state and like nothing better than driving its back roads in search of the perfect vanilla ice cream. He enjoyed the fruitless challenge of converting non believers to love the New York Yankees, though he showed exceptional patience tolerating Red Sox fans – including those in his own family. He was happy spending time in the Champlain Islands; from fishing to grilling a cookout to reading on the shore, the lake offered contentment in many forms. Gene and Henrietta were active parishioners of St. Augustine's parish in Montpelier for forty years until they moved to Northfield in 2007. During those years Gene served as both a lector and usher. Survivors include his brother Richard of Bridgeport, Ct, three daughters, Margaret DiStassio and her husband John of Trumbull, CT, Carol Drawbaugh and her husband Bob of Essex Junction, Mary Hancock (late husband Robert) of Westminster; two sons, James O'Connell and his wife Nan of Richmond, VA, and Philip O'Connell and his wife MaryJo of Bel Air, MD. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jeffrey, Brian, Andrew, Kristen, Whitney, Meredith, Emily and Alex; one great-grandson Kayden; and many nieces and nephews. Gene was predeceased by his wife, Henrietta, in 2008, as well as his brothers Howard, Edwin and William and his sister Carolyn. The O'Connell family wishes to acknowledge two special people, Dick and Betsy Temple, who have done so much for so many years, and are considered part of the family. The family also wishes to express their gratitude to the staffs of Mayo Healthcare and Gifford Hospital for the care and caring that our dad received. Calling hours will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2009 at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier. A funeral mass will be offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday in St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Montpelier. Memorial contributions may be made to Gifford Medical Center 44 South Main Street Randolph, VT 05060 attn: Eugene O'Connell Memorial Fund. Those wishing to send private on-line condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Gene's obituary.