*This final update is being written by John's sister, Carolyn, on his behalf*

For those of you who may not yet know, John's valiant 3 year battle with cancer ended on Monday, December 27, 2021 when he passed away at home.

In his last update on 10/9/21, he mentioned the two tumors on his liver, and up until the week before his death, he had been receiving treatment for those. Unfortunately, those treatments were harsh enough that he required frequent blood transfusions this past month just to prepare for the next treatment. There finally came a point where the transfusions outpaced the treatments, and his liver could handle no more. At his final oncology appointment last Wednesday, he was told by his team that there was nothing more that could be done medically, and that his liver was failing. They estimated he had 1-2 weeks left, so he entered into home hospice care the following day.

John loved his family dearly, and he used every ounce of energy he had left to give us one last Christmas with him.  Although he wasn't able to enjoy our traditional lasagna meal with us, he rested while we ate, then joined us at the table for our annual competitive dice game, opening stocking stuffers, and taking the obligatory family Christmas picture. Those few precious hours together as a family were the greatest Christmas gift any of us could have ever received - such an incredible blessing.

On behalf of his fiancé Kimmy, mother Lorraine, sister Nancy, and my husband Bill and myself, we want to thank each and every one of you who have followed John's journey so faithfully for the past 3 years. Your fervent prayers, unending love, and unwavering support kept John and our entire family strong and hopeful until the very end. Cancer is such an incredibly cruel and relentless disease, but he NEVER GAVE UP.  Although his earthly life may be over, his eternal life with Jesus his Lord and Savior has just begun, and he is finally free from all pain and suffering. 

A visitation, memorial Mass, and celebration of life are being planned for Friday 1/14/22 - Saturday 1/15/22. Details will be available soon at http://www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com. He was truly one-of-a-kind, and will be missed by so many. We hope you can join us at some point to help us celebrate a life well lived! 

"Until we meet again...@"