Bruce Michael O'Connell, 68, of Fall River, passed away peacefully with his family after fighting a 9-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease and a short battle with cancer. Bruce was born on November 21, 1954 in Fall River, to the late Warren J. O'Connell and Annette (Martel) O'Connell.

He was the beloved husband of his high school sweetheart, Madeline (Silva) O'Connell. Bruce and Madeline were happily married for 45 years.

Many people will remember Bruce as a retired police sergeant and lifelong volunteer. Bruce was a proud servant of the City of Fall River from 1977 until his retirement in 2010. Bruce also immensely enjoyed volunteer work. He was a lifetime member of the Fall River Lodge of Elks and served as their Drug Awareness Chairman and Scholarship Chairman for several years. He was a member of the International Police Association Region 12 and held the position of Treasurer for the New England Region for over 20 years. Bruce was a member of the Fall River Irish Heritage Association and the Sons of Amvets. He loved to fish, camp, swim, cook, read, and visit the beach. Bruce's passion was travel and he enjoyed so many wonderful trips with his wife, family, and friends. Together, Bruce and Madeline visited 25 countries and most of the United States.

Bruce ardently loved his family and he leaves behind his daughter, Kellie Ansermoz, and her husband Dean Ansermoz of Mansfield, Massachusetts and his son, Ryan O'Connell, and his wife Dawenskie O'Connell of Fall River, Massachusetts. Bruce cherished his grandchildren: Molly, Sophie, Jayden, and Akeem. Bruce also leaves behind his older brother, Warren O'Connell, and his wife Jan O'Connell of Sacramento, California, along with several nieces and nephews.

Bruce will be missed by many who loved him so very much. We will never forget his crazy whistling that always made everyone smile, his happy blue eyes that just sparkled, and how much he adored his family and friends.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, April 15th, in Holy Trinity Parish Church followed by a private cremation. His cremains were later buried privately at Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruce's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02472.

Please share your memories with the family at https://www.forevermissed. com/bruce-oconnell/about