James “Okie” O’Connor, Sr. 87, long time Worcester resident passed away peacefully Monday, March 16, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.
James was born in Worcester, one of five children of George and Rose (Cotton) O’Connor. He attended South High School. In March of 1951, he married Grace Strozina in a ceremony at St. Peter’s Church and together, over the next 64 years, they raised six children.
James worked to support his family through a 40 year career in the baking industry. He retired from John J. Nissan Baking Company in 1994 after 37 years during which he had been promoted from individual salesman to General Sales Manager for MA, NH, VT, and CT. Possessing both a strong work ethic and long-time interest in cars, he enjoyed working part-time during his retirement at Consumer Auto Parts. He officially retired at age 84.
James devoted much of his time, love, and energy to his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Grace, his five children, Daniel, Donald and his life partner Sandra Eaton, Kathleen O’Connor-West and her husband Frank, Paul, Margaret and her life partner Lee Cloud, and his daughters-in-law Wendy and Martha. His oldest son, James J. O’Connor Jr., died in 2014. James also is survived by his eight grandchildren, Patrick, Ryan, Patricia Vaillancourt and her husband Brandon, Cassandra, Alexandra, Kaitlyn, Heidi, and Zachary; one great-grandchild, Aria Rose; one sister, June Lavin; two brothers, George (Wingsy) and Francis; and numerous nieces and nephews. One sister, Gertrude, as well as one half-brother, Edward, and two half-sisters, Dorothy and Mildred, predeceased him.
James had been actively involved in the Catholic Church throughout his life beginning as an altar boy at St. Peter’s Church. During his 27 years at St. Catherine of Sweden Church, he was Treasurer of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for 20 years, Chairman of the Bishops Fund, President of the Holy Name Society, Parish Council Representative and, with his wife Grace, a Host Family for the Ecumenical movement. Since 1987, he had been a member of Christ the King Church.
James was generous with his time, especially to family members and friends. He was extremely handy, a man who could build and repair most anything. It was not uncommon to find him working beside his sons on projects involving cars, boilers, sheds, cabinetry, electrical wiring, and plumbing among others. He had a lively sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes, particularly on family members and neighborhood friends. He was an avid Red Sox fan and lover of American History, particularly the Civil War era. He was an Assistant Scout Leader of Troop 42 of the Boy Scouts of America, a troop he helped to establish. He loved the ocean and vacationing with his family on Cape Cod and Narragansett Bay. Being a tenor, he enjoyed music and Perry Como and Luciano Pavarotti were among his favorite singers.
James’ family would like to thank the wonderful caretakers at JHC Hospice. Their compassion, care, and comfort during the past six months have been appreciated by James and his family.
Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, the 18th of March from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. His funeral will be held Thursday, the 19th of March from the funeral home with a procession to Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., where his Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester, 01602.