John G. Connell

John G. Connell, 78, of Somerset, formerly of Fall River , former Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School Superintendent and retired Durfee High School Vice Principal, husband of Janice L. (Prayzner) Connell, passed away Friday, November 9, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A former Fisher Junior College Faculty Member, his career included Durfee High School Retailing Program, Teacher/Coordinator and Chapter 1, Curriculum supervisor/Department Head, Fall River School Department Fall River Futures Director, Greater Fall River Vocational School District Superintendent and Durfee High School Vice Principal.

He received mayoral and school committee commendations for developing and conducting "Little World", a hands-on, non-profit, retailing project operated by high school students. He invented and designed a new school insignia, currently being used on all school rings, diplomas and memorabilia, donating the copyright to the Fall River School Committee and Durfee High School.

John had a great sense of humor and loved to make people smile and laugh and had a way to make you feel comfortable in any surrounding.  He had a warm personality and loved unconditionally. Inducted into the Durfee Athletic Hall of Fame, his passion for sports came from his involvement in coaching and playing sports throughout his life. He was an avid photographer and enjoyed woodworking.

Besides his wife of 54 years, he leaves three children, Lisa Connell of Fall River, David Connell and his wife Teresa of Little Compton and Sean Connell and his wife Christine of Warwick; five grandchildren, Ronald P. Bouchard, III, Kathryn Bouchard, Aiden Connell, Jason Cain and Jake Cain; a brother, Charles F. Connell of Fall River and nieces and nephews. He was the son of the late Alphonso C. and Irene (Larocque) Connell and the brother of the late Jacqueline Lage, Jean Hanley, Gerald Connell, James Connell, and Grace McCarthy.

His funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:00 AM from the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 So. Main St., Fall River, with a funeral mass at St. John of God Church, Somerset, at 10:00 AM.

Visitation, Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. A special thank you for wonderful care to the Nurses and Staff of Southcoast Oncology and Southcoast VNA-Hospice. Online guest book at AuclairFuneralHome.com.