Daniel P. O’Connell III “Flippy” 53 of Naples, FL and formerly of Dennis died Saturday February 27, 2021 due to the effects of occupational cancer on the job as a firefighter/paramedic in the Dennis Fire Department.

Born in Cambridge, Flippy was the son of Daniel P. O’Connell Jr. and Kristine (Siegfriedt) O’Connell.  He was a 1985 graduate of Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School. 

Flippy was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1985 until his honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1989.

On his long road of treatment, Flippy was well know for his smile, his laugh, and his encouraging message to other firefighters. He showed empathy and assisted other cancer patients during his illness, whether they were firefighters or children dealing with cancer at Boston area hospitals.

Serving with honor and distinction, Flippy was a member of the Dennis Fire Department Honor Guard participating at other firefighter’s funerals. He was an outstanding ambassador of the Dennis Fire Department. He will be sorely missed by firefighters and families. Especially notable is Flippy’s support and work as a founding member of the annual Mighty Meehan Road Race benefiting childhood cancer. Flippy retired as a Lieutenant in 2019.

Flippy is survived by his mother Kristine of South Dennis; his father, Daniel P. O’Connell, Jr of Bradenton, FL; his brother, T.J. O’Connell and his wife, Kristin of Dennis Port; his aunts and uncles, John and Joanne Powers of South Yarmouth, John and Jean Lawless of Hanson, and Donald and Heidi Siegfriedt of Simi Valley, CA; two nephews, Liam O’Connell of Dallas, TX and Sebastian O’Connell of Dennis Port, and several cousins.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday April 11 at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth. 

Interment will be private.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Dennis Firefighter’s Association, 883 Main St., West Dennis, MA 02670 or to the Mighty Meehan Research Foundation, P.O. Box 586, West Dennis, MA 02670.

Love, Hope, and Peace

I want to say sorry to the family. I would also like to say thank you for your service with the Dennis Fire Department. My mom and dad live across from station 2 in Dennis. I used to come by station 2 when I came to visit my mom and dad. You will always be in my thoughts. May you rest in peace.

So saddened by the loss to your family, friends, and co-workers. Dan was a wonderful man, he fought the fight with determination and a Smile. He will be missed, and remembered with a warm heart.

No goodbyes. So long. Kathy, Shane , John and Jarrett love you. Semper Fi Dad