Robert George O’Connor, 52, of Salem, New Hampshire, passed away on June 24, 2016, with his family by his side at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House after a four year battle with cancer.
He was born on October 10, 1963, to the late Sandra and Robert L. O’Connor of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and spent his life in Salem, New Hampshire. He attended Woodbury Middle School and was a graduate of the Salem High School class of 1981. He met his wife Lisa at the Willow Tree restaurant in Salem, NH, in 1993 and the two were married for 23 blissful years, becoming parents to twin daughters Lillian and Rachel in 1997.
He had a long career in law enforcement, starting off as a police explorer as a teenager in Salem. He was a part time police officer for Chester, NH, a correctional officer at the Rockingham County Jail, a deputy sheriff for the Rockingham County’s Sheriff’s Department, and most recently, a senior officer specialist at the Department of Federal Bureau of Prisons. He was also a firearms instructor, and vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Robert had the unyielding ability to make anyone and everyone laugh, and his attitude about life was nothing short of incredible. He radiated positivity and strength throughout his fight with cancer and he always took his diagnosis in stride. He never let it bring him down, even on his worst days. Robert was an avid badge collector, had the best meatballs, and loved nothing more than an “NCIS” marathon in his favorite recliner. His family and friends were always his first priority; known as “Dabert” by his daughters and Bob as everyone else, he had a special and unique relationship with each and every person he knew, and his larger than life presence is already missed. For Bob, we will forever remain #BobStrong, our superman.
Robert is survived by his wife Lisa, daughters Lily and Rachel, sister Patricia and her husband Dan, as well as several sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by family and friends, but leaves us with many happy memories.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, June 27, from 4-8 at John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 35 Merrimack Street, North Andover, MA, His funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 28, at 11 AM at Saint Monica Parish, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The O’Connor Family, TD Bank 155 North Broadway, Salem,NH 03079. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.