Timothy David O’Connell

Timothy David O’Connell died peacefully after a long illness in Peterborough, NH on April 18th at the age of 80.

Tim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Noreen Ann LeVangie. In addition, Tim is survived by his children Jeannine Wegmueller, of Temple, and Marcy O’Connell, of Fitzwilliam. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Kate St. Cyr, Tom St. Cyr and Finn Finn Wegmueller, as well as his great granddaughter Scarlette St. Cyr. He is preceded in death by his parents Timothy Michael O’Connell and Deana Beatrice Willett O’Connell.

Tim was born on October 12, 1943 in Bridgeport, CT. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Education. He earned another Masters of Science in Environmental Science from Fordham University. There, he was the president of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. He and Noreen married in 1965. Tim taught Biology at Stamford High School from 1965-1972, when Tim and his family moved to Milford, NH, where he began working for Milford High School as a Biology Teacher and Science Department Chairman. In 1975, Tim and Noreen bought a property on Federal Hill. They opened Butternut Farm, where they grew and sold vegetables, flowers, and Christmas trees while he continued to teach Biology at Milford High School.

Tim was a New Hampshire State Representative from 1998-2008, and was the Vice Chair of Environment & Agriculture Committee. He was also an Eagle Boy Scout, and served on many town boards in Milford. A dedicated member of the community, he was instrumental in developing the Farmer’s Markets in Milford, Nashua, Manchester and Bedford. From his work at the school with local government, and through farming, he was well-known in the community. He actively farmed until 2022, when he and Noreen finally sold Butternut Farm and moved with their daughter Marcy to Fitzwilliam, NH.

His grandchildren remember him as a loving grandfather who encouraged them to appreciate the land, the benefits of hard work, and a whispered joke. Tim was a magnet to all animals, big and small, and always seemed to have the same tune stuck in his head.

No service or funeral will be held, as the family will celebrate his life privately. However, all who knew him are encouraged to take a moment to think of him and how he may have touched their lives. The family would like to thank the staff at Scott Farrar for the care they gave him during the end of his life. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com