Donald J. O'Connor, Sr.

Mr. Donald J. O’Connor, Sr., age 76, of North Utica, passed away on Thursday, August 9, 2007, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Yorkville on October 27, 1930, Don was the son of the late Agnes (Farr) O’Connor. Raised and educated locally, he attended Utica Free Academy. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served his military duty stateside and was a member of the National Guard. During his youth, he was an amateur golden glove boxer and a softball player. On September 29, 1951 he married the former Marlene J. Leo. The couple enjoyed each other’s company for 55 years. Don held various positions during his working life. He was employed at American Emblem Co., Utica Drop Forge Corp., and Chicago Pneumatic Co., where he worked as a machinist, retiring after more than 25 years of service. He served his fellow workers as shop steward and was on the executive director’s board for the union. A good provider to his family, Don was an honest man and an independent thinker. He was proud of his Irish heritage and celebrated it with great honor and proper attire. He took pleasure being outdoors and vacationed in Florida during the winter. He was an avid deer hunter, golfer, gardener, and cook, often canning the bounty of his gardens. He was a member of the Whitestown Association of American Veterans, and was active as a trustee at the former Moose Lodge, coordinating many of the activities. He was a communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Don is survived by his wife, Marlene; his daughter and son-in-law, Michele and her husband Raymond Della Gala who he shared a special closeness with, they reside in Frankfort; his sons and daughter-in-law, Timothy P. and Carol O’Connor of N. Utica, David M. O’Connor of Ithaca, and Donald J. O’Connor, Jr. of Florida; his grandchildren, Rhiannon Rosati, Chelsea Rosati, Brandon O’Connor, and Christine O’Connor; and his great-grandchild, Michael Raymond Rosati. Also surviving are his nieces, especially acknowledging Debbie O’Connor, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Alex Rapavi, Marion O’Connor, Rashia Bertuco, and Roland Bibeault; and his longtime and dear friends, Frank and Joanne LaDue, and Bob Kluska. He was predeceased by his sisters and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Frank Seely, and Josephine Rapavi; his brothers and sister-in-law, Arthur and Pauline O’Connor, Robert O’Connor, and William O’Connor; his nephew, Artie O’Connor who was very special to him; and a sister-in-law, Kathleen Bibeault. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dilip Kachare, and Dr. Hugh C. Macisaac for their professional care, the nurses and staff of the 3rd floor at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their tremendous support, especially Jack, RN; and Judy at the Marian Medical Imaging for her kindness. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Don’s honor to the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Don’s funeral service will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Donald J. O'Connor, Sr.

October 27, 1930 - August 9, 2007