Former Red Sox general manager dies

08/18/02 23:34 EDT

.c The Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Mass. (AP) - Dick O'Connell, the former Boston Red Sox general manager who helped build the teams that played in the 1967 and 1975 World Series, died Sunday. He was 87.

O'Connell, who died at a Lexington nursing home, had been very ill recently, Red Sox spokesman Kevin Shea said, although he did not give a cause of death.

O'Connell joined the Red Sox in 1949 and became executive vice president and general manager in 1965.

Under his guidance from 1965-77, the Red Sox were perennial winners, winning at least 83 games each season, including 90 or more three times. The team also led the American League in attendance for five of those years.

He was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1997.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available. 

 Death Notices  

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Henry O'Connell  
 
Of Belmont, Aug. 18. Beloved husband of Ethel W. (Sears) O'Connell for over 56 years. Dear and devoted father of Kevin R. O'Connell of North Conway, NH, Stephen F. O'Connell of San Francisco, CA and Kathleen M. O'Connell, MD of Wilton, CT. Brother of the late Henry F. and Robert C. O'Connell. Loving grandfather of Lauren A. O'Connell of North Conway, NH Brandon O'Connell-Swanberg and Elizabeth R. O'Connell of Wilton, CT.

Funeral from the Short, Williamson & Diamond Funeral Home, 52 Trapelo Rd., BELMONT, Thursday, Aug. 22 at 9 AM.

Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Mercy Church, 401 Belmont St., Belmont, at 10 o'clock.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Tuesday and Wednesday, 4-8 PM. Entombment Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.

Late Navy Veteran of WW II and recipient of the Bronze Star, retiring with the rank of Commander. Former Vice-President and General Manager of the Boston Red Sox. Short, Williamson & Diamond 617-484-6900

Published in the Boston Globe from 8/19/2002 - 8/20/2002.