Shrewsbury – Edward P. O”Connor, 89, died peacefully at his home Friday June 10, 2011, surrounded by his family. Beloved by his late wife, Imelda, his two sons and their families, he was an honorable, hard-working man who deeply valued his family, his country and his religion.
Born November 17, 1921, to Bernard A. and Alma (Moisel) O”Connor in Springfield, he graduated from Springfield Technical High School in January 1939. He completed Springfield Armory's four-year apprentice toolmaker's course in 1943 and later attended Northeastern University. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, and was honorably discharged with the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon (two stars), the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (one star), American Theater Ribbon (one star) and the World War II Victory Ribbon (one star.)
Mr. O”Connor was married in 1946 to Imelda Guilmette and settled in East Longmeadow. In 1966, he relocated to East Greenbush, N.Y., and transferred to Watervliet Arsenal, where he worked until retirement in 1982 as a section chief in the Procurement Division. After his retirement, he was employed by Sears & Roebuck and the State of New York Supreme Court Appellate Division.
He was a life member of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans and the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the American Legion and Nassau Sportsmen's Club.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Imelda, in 2004. He is survived by his two sons and their families, James B. O”Connor and his wife, Marianne, of Westborough and Brian P. O”Connor and his wife, Ellen, of Rochester, N.Y. He also leaves six grandchildren, Kevin, Patrick, Timothy, Michael and Mary O”Connor and Christine O”Connor MacDonald, and three great-grandchildren, Claire and John O”Connor and Caitlyn MacDonald.
Friends and family may pay their respects Friday June 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Rand-Harper-Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. Members of the John Boyle O”Reilly, Council #85, Knights of Columbus, will conduct a prayer service at 7:45 p.m. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday June 18, at 10 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial, with military honors, will follow at 1 p.m. at St. Michael Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to Lighthouse Hospice Foundation, Inc. at www.tlhospicefoundation.org or by phone at 1-617-242-7402. For online condolences, please visit www.westboroughfuneralhome.com.
