Joey O Bocce Classic for Cystic Fibrosis

Story by Matt Young | April 30, 2010 | Tags: bocce, cystic fibrosis, joey o classic, Non Profit, Sports

Kristy O'Connell Makes Pre-Tournament Announcements at The Joey O Classic for Cystic Fibrosis. All photos courtesy of Beth Galloway.

Cary, NC – Last weekend a bocce tournament was held in the name of Joe O’Connell, the owner of Cary’s Roly Poly.  The story is tragic and uplifting at the same time.  Joe lost his fight against Cystic Fibrosis in November 2009 at 32 years of age after a 3 month struggle in Duke’s ICU with the dreaded disease.  His wife Kristy gave birth to their daughter Piper Rose two floors down from his room at Duke on September 19th.

Piper

The 3rd Annual Joey O Bocce Classic took place Sunday April 25th at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh.  Proceeds go to fund research to find a cure for CF.  The fundraiser has raised $22,000 according to the Joey O Facebook page.

Peter Shunkis Throws a Bocce Ball

CF

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide).  In the 1950s, few children with Cystic Fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF.

Joey’s Obituary

Joseph O'Connell Courtesy of The Cardinal Gibbons Alumni Profile Website

Joe moved to Cary when he was 4 ½ years old and attended Henry Adams Elementary, East Cary Middle and Cardinal Gibbons High School.  He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1999.  He was the class president at Cardinal Gibbons both his freshman and sophomore year and the School President his junior year.  He was an honor student, played varsity baseball and was the Captain of the Varsity Basketball team.

Joe was the owner of the Roly Poly store in Cary.  Joe always put his friends and family above himself. He seized the day and lived in the moment. He had undying love for his wife and family and was the most loyal friend. He loved a good gathering, and always willing to put one on.  Joe rarely said no, always willing to try something different and taste a new part of what life had to offer.  This may have involved travel, concerts, sports events, camping, cooking, beach going, fishing, skiing, etc.  He loved it all, and most of all, he loved who he did it with.

He was fun to be around and he had a knack for elevating any situation.  He had a contagious smile and his charismatic personality drew everyone to him.