Joseph R. O’Connor 85, of Franklin, died Saturday June 23, 2018 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Carol A. (Froughton) O’Connor.
Born September 11, 1932 in Brookline, a son of the late Daniel T. and Hildreth (Gaudette) O’Connor, he was a former resident of Brockton until moving to Franklin in 1994.
He was raised and educated in Brookline, and was a graduate of Brookline High School.
“Joe” retired several years ago from St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton where he was a maintenance supervisor. He previously worked for Whitings Milk Company, the Hynes Convention Center, where he was a First Class Boiler Fireman and Shawmut Bank.
A proud American, he joined the United States Navy in 1952, during the Korean War, he attained the rank of MML3 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal with European Clasp. Joe was honorably discharged in Feb. 1956.
He was a former Brockton Little League Coach, and enjoyed camping, traveling, hunting, and his winter trips to Florida. He was also an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriot’s fan.
He is survived by his son’s, Richard C. O’Connor and his wife Catherine of Brockton and Paul J. O’Connor and his wife Josie of Franklin, a sister Catherine Rogers of Brighton, 2 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Joe was the brother of the late Hildreth Ward, Pauline Rogers, Daniel O’Connor, Edwin O’Connor, Frances Heck and Theresa Rezendes.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Thursday June 28th, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Jude Church 86 Main St. Norfolk, MA at 10AM.
Interment with military honors will be held privately.
Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-8PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to the American Diabetes Assoc. Eastern New England Office 330 Congress St. 5th FL, Boston, MA 02210.
Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com
