Marblehead…

Joseph Daniel Conwell, age 90, of Marblehead, died peacefully, with his family around him, Monday, August 9, 2010, at Sawtell Hospice House in Reading.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Charles and Josephine (Cliffe) Conwell. Joe was raised and educated in Salem and graduated from Salem High School. At the age of 21 Joe enlisted in the United States Army Air Force, and piloted B24 bombers in the European Theatre.

Joe successfully completed 50 bombing missions over enemy targets. His actions in combat earned him many accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal.

Joe's working career was spent in the field of Quality Control. Over the years he worked at the General Electric Company, AVCO Corporation, and the Berringer Company in Marblehead. Joe also served his town as the Sealer of Weights and Measures for many years.

Joe was extremely committed to serving his church, Star of the Sea. He spent many years as an usher at the 7:30 Sunday Mass. Joe was a member of the knights of Columbus and served a term as Grand Knight.

Living in Marblehead, Joe quickly became a lover of the ocean, the harbor and of being on the water. He raced "Townies" for several years, and enjoyed cruising aboard the family powerboat. Great times were spent picnicking on Browns Island with family and friends, fishing with his children, and grandchildren, and just enjoying summers with his wife Virginia and close friends. Joe's boat was moored in Marblehead Harbor, but he would never consider joining a yacht club, he used an old skiff to travel out and back, he considered himself a proud member of Marblehead's C.B.Y.C.

Spending tome in his woodworking shop was Joe's answer to the stress of daily life, he designed and created projects that ranged from home and garden furniture to small remembrances the he gave the family and friends. Every Christmas all his children and grandchildren would expectantly look forward to their home made gifts.

The love of Joe's life was his wife Virginia. They were high school sweethearts, and married shortly before Joe enlisted in the Army Air Corps. They recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. They traveled, and had many adventures during Joe's life, together they raised four children, and worked hard to provide them with a sense of morality, kindness, and love of family.

Joe may have been born in Salem, but his soul was Irish. He loved his mother's country and Visited Ireland. He had a loving relationship with his "Irish Family", and stayed in close contact over the many years.

Joe's outlook on life was often expressed by ever-present phrase that he heard in their home, "someone's at the door, put another potato in the pot, and the bottle of Jameson on the table."

Joe remains in the hearts of many including, his wife and soul mate Virginia, daughters, Patricia and her husband James Dincecco of Marblehead, Carol and her husband Bill Hill of N.C., Jean and her husband Mark O'Hara of Amesbury, one son, Kevin and his wife Karen Conwell of N.H., seven grandchildren, Mark, Beth, Kristie, Matt, Jamie, Shauna, and Kate, six great grandchildren, Bailey, Emma, Kiera, Alex, Brandon, and Brennan, one sister, Mary Bagley of Swampscott, four nieces and one nephew, and several life long friends. His sister June Conwell predeceased Joe.

Joe, may calm seas and fair winds be with you on every leg of your journey.

His funeral will be held on Friday, August 13, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 81 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Thursday evening from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00PM in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (cor of North St) Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sawtell Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St., Reading, MA 01867. For online guest book or additional information please call 781 631 8885 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.