Cornelius D. “Okie” O’Connor, 82, of Worcester died Monday, February 9th at home. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Edna (Tunstall) O’Connor; his children, Kathy M. Eaton and her husband, Gary, Patricia A. Urban and her husband, Jack of Putnam, CT, Timothy P. O’Connor and his wife, Maureen of Worcester and Kerry A. Ingram and her husband, Steve of Bradford, VT; a sister, Mary Richardson and her husband, John; two sisters in law, JoAnn Tunstall and Virginia Dolan; three granddaughters, Shawna Newman, Meaghan Eaton, Kristen Reid; nine great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph P. O’Connor.

He was born in Worcester the son of Patrick J. and Anna F. (Donahue) O’Connor and graduated from the former High School of Commerce where he played football. Okie was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War. He worked for the Massachusetts Highway Department for 45 years as a bridge maintenance foreman retiring in 2001 and also worked as a bartender for many years at various local establishments. Mr. O’Connor was the treasurer for NAGE, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – St. Ann Church and the American Legion Post Vernon Hill Post 435. Okie loved the beach, the Bruins, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the Worcester Sharks. He was proud of his Irish heritage. He enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sports games. His greatest accomplishment were his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joel Popkin of St. Vincent Hospital and the nurses and staff at the VNA Hospice for their compassion and care during Okie’s illness.

His funeral is Saturday, February 14th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Friday, February 13th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel – St. Ann Church Building Fund, 28 Mulberry Street, Worcester, MA 01605.