AGAWAM – William E. “Barnyard” O’Connor, 72, of Agawam was Called Safely Home on Saturday, October 5, 2013. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Springfield on March 6, 1941, a beloved son of the late James A. and Emily M. (Biglin) O’Connor. He was raised in Springfield, graduated in 1958 from Cathedral High School, and lived in the Hungry Hill section of Springfield for many years before moving to Agawam around 1982. He furthered his education and served a four year apprenticeship to receive a Journeyman’s Electrical License. Following his apprenticeship, he was employed for many years as an Electrician for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 7 in Springfield where he was a 50 year member. He also served as their Assistant Business Agent and received the Brotherhood Award in 1994 in memory of Charles H. Stagnaro. Active in his faith, he was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield. For his many contributions to his parish over the years, he was awarded the James P. Skehan Memorial Award. He was a member of the Cathedral High School Class of 1958 Reunion Committee, a volunteer at the Open Pantry Loaves & Fishes, a longtime Blood Donor at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, and the “Unofficial Mayor” of Old Orchard Beach. Billy was a fun-loving man, who adored his family and showered them with his love and affection, which was returned to him a thousand fold. He leaves his loving wife and best friend, Philomena “Phyl” (Alfano) O’Connor. They were married on September 6, 1965 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Springfield and were blessed with 48 years of happiness together. He also leaves his loving sons, Michael J. O’Connor of North Palm Beach, FL, and Kevin M. O’Connor of Old Orchard Beach, ME; his cherished grandson, Michael A. O’Connor; his cherished granddaughter, Arianna Brown; his dear brother, James O’Connor and his wife, Audrey, of East Longmeadow; his dear sister, Karen O’Connor of East Longmeadow; his brother-in-law, Peter Alfano of Jupiter, FL; his sister-in-law, Vicki Alfano of Monson; and his many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, and cousins. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Emilio Alfano. Bill’s funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, October 9, 2013, beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. His Entombment will follow the Mass in the Chapel at Saint Michael the Archangel Mausoleum, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Springfield Rescue Mission, 19 Bliss Street, Springfield, MA 01102-9045 or to the Open Pantry Loaves & Fishes Kitchen, PO Box 5127, Springfield, MA 01101-5127. For more details and to sign our funeral home guest book, please visit:www.stpierrephaneuf.com