John Francis O’Connor, lifelong resident of Worcester MA passed away peacefully on Tuesday November 25, 2014 at Memorial Hospital after a short illness. He leaves his “petite chou” and love of his life Dolores H. (Beaudin) O’Connor to whom he was married for 55 years, his brother in law Urbain N. Beaudin, sister in law Dora T. Beaudin, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two wonderful sons Denis and Neil, his sister Mary Harmon and a brother, Gerald O’Connor, as well as his parents, Denis and Bridget (Murphy) O’Connor who had immigrated to the USA from Ireland.
An active member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, John graduated from St. John’s High School, the College of the Holy Cross and earned his law degree from Suffolk University School of Law. John served his country in the Army during WWII, and was a founding member and Past Commander of the Vernon Hill American Legion Post. He received the St. Thomas More Man of the Year award in 1968 for outstanding moral character. He was instrumental in the mock trials held at Boy’s State.
John worked as Assistant Clerk Magistrate for the Worcester Superior Court House for 43 years, retiring in 2001. A Telegram and Gazette article by Gary Murray chronicled those years and the man: “…with his affable manner, quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge of Worcester …anything to do with his beloved College of the Holy Cross, the pug nosed, gravelly voiced assistant clerk magistrate/raconteur from Vernon Hill has become an institution within an institution…”
In addition to his knowledge of law and love of family, John had a tremendous passion for sports both professional and collegiate. He knew everything about the Celtics from Bob Cousy to Kevin Garnett and everything in between. With any Boston-based team he would immerse himself in the team statistics and player’s memorable performances.
He was much loved and respected by all, and his memory will be forever cherished.
His funeral will be held Tuesday, December 2nd from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street. Burial in Notre Dame Cemetery will be private at a later date. Calling hours are Monday, December 1st from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. in the funeral home. Contributions in his memory may be made to Blessed Sacrament Parish, 551 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602.