William F. (Bill) O'Connell, 85, of Bedford, died peacefully on December 30, 2014, at the E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. O'Connell was born in Waltham on January 27, 1929, and he was the son of the late Patrick and Margaret Josephine (Walsh) O'Connell.

He was raised in Waltham and served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict on board the Destroyer, the USS Goodrich DD/DDR-831 alongside his brother, Joseph of Waltham and close friend, Richard Gorman of Woburn. He was a Head Gunner's Mate and served from 1950 to 1954.

Following his discharge, he married the former Audrey R. MacFarlane of Woburn at St. Charles Church in 1956.

At the start of his working years, Mr. O'Connell was employed as a Barber at Center Hair Barber Shop in Bedford. For 28 years, he worked an evening shift as a security guard at Raytheon Company in Bedford. He also worked mornings as a bus driver for the Bedford public school students.

After his years in the Navy, he was very skilled at knot tying and was well-known by family and friends as "Mr. Fix-It". He enjoyed listening to country music, traveling, gardening, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was a proud and patriotic veteran who flew the American flag over his home on Hancock Street. He was also a member of the Tin Can Sailors, the National Association of Destroyer Veterans.

He will be remembered as a sincere, kind gentleman with a quick wit and smiling face.

His wife Audrey, died on September 21 of this year.

He is survived by his son Kevin and his wife, Nancy of Hollis, NH, daughter, Kathleen M. LaPointe and her husband, Daniel of Andover, his brothers, Joseph, Patrick and Thomas all of Waltham, granddaughters, Lindsey and Lauren and great grandson, Ethan Daniel Ross.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. followed by a service at 7:15 P.M.

Interment will be private.

Bill's family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire Hospice Team at the Bedford VA for the loving care and comfort they have shown to all. Also a thank you for the great care Bill received from his primary care medical staff at the VA; a thank you to Betty Cullity and Marcia Johansson
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Rd., Bedford, MA 01730, c\o Voluntary Services, Hospice Wing.