Obituary of Richard G. O'Connor

REXFORD—Richard G. O'Connor, 78, passed away peacefully Monday evening at Ellis Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Richard, or as he was more commonly known as Dick, was born in Cambridge, MA, a son of the late George and Helen O'Connor. Dick was a graduate of Brookline High School and received a Bachelors Degree from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Marine and Electrical Engineering. He honorably and valiantly served his country in the United States Navy, where he sailed on the infamous Princeton, an aircraft carrier. Upon being discharged, Dick and his family relocated to Schenectady where he worked at ALCO and then for the General Electric Company, where he worked in the gas turbine division in international marketing. Dick was very talented. He enjoyed singing and acting. He was a member of the Society for Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America. He performed and sang in the Sound of Music, Paint Your Wagon and South Pacific for the Schenectady Light Opera Company. He enjoyed entertaining his friends and family by singing and playing the organ. He loved sailing and enjoyed many years at the Mayfield Yacht Club, where he served as Commodore for a year in 1985. Dick enjoyed wood carving, especially birds. Dick had a special way with animals, especially dogs and they adored him. Dick had an interest in Astronomy and enjoyed many nights just looking at the stars. Later in life, he volunteered on many committees at Coburg Village. Dick was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Patricia O'Connor. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley O'Connor; devoted daughter, Karen O'Connor of Clifton Park; adoring grandchildren, Ryan Szymanski of Schenectady and Christina Szymanski of Boston, MA; he is also survived by his brother, Robert O'Connor (Phyllis) of Pennsylvania. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 29th at 12 PM at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St. (at McClellan St.). Interment to follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Thursday morning from 10 am to the time of the service. Memorial contributions in Dick's memory may be made to the Community Hospice of Schenectady County or to the Schenectady City Mission.