Richard F. "Dick" O'Connor (Retired Special Agent and Supervisor, Drug Enforcement Agency and former Detective, Boston Police Department) a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered eternal life unexpectedly on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was 86 years old.
Dick was born in Boston on November 29, 1926, a son of the late Patrick H. O'Connor and Cecilia (Flavin) O'Connor. He grew up in Charlestown where he attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Charlestown High School. He enlisted into the United States Navy on December 6, 1944 and served his country with honor and pride during World War II. He was discharged honorably on June 23, 1946 with the rank of Seaman First Class. After his military sevice, Dick worked as a longshoreman on the Boston waterfront and was a member Local # 799 I.L.A. Dick joined the Boston Police Department where he was a patrolman from 1950 to 1959 and later was promoted to detective. In 1965 Dick became employed by the Federal Government in the Treasury Department and later transferred to the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration, ultimately retiring as the head of the New England Organized Crime Task Force. Upon retiring he became the Director of Public Safety at The Bunker Hill Community College. Dick was a proud member of The Old Charlestown Schoolboy's Association and a lifelong active member of St. Mary's Parish in Charlestown.
Dick is the beloved husband of the late Marie E. (Condon) O'Connor. He is the devoted father of Elizabeth and her husband Russell Klokeid of Perth, Western Australia, Michael and Patricia O'Connor of North Andover, Marie and Patrick Sweeney of Melrose, Thomas and Karen O'Connor of Arlington, Richard O'Connor of Charlestown and the late Sean O'Connor. He is the loving Pa to Nora, Ryan, Maria, Elizabeth, Stephen, Cameron, Connor, Kristin, Brendan, Brien, Sean M., Daniel, Sean R. and Patrick. He is the beloved brother of Agnes Doherty of Charlestown, George "Pudgie" O'Connor of Charlestown and the late William "Bill", Patrick "Dada", John "Jack", Edward "Chickenlegs" O'Connor, Joan LaVallee and Brother Bertrand O'Connor O.P. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Dick's Funeral on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown at 10:30 A.M. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. Visiting hours Friday, March 1, 2013 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Dick's name to VNA Hospice Care, 100 Sylvan Road, Woburn, Mass. 01801.