Richard Fulton O’Connor, age 89, resident of Rolling Fields Nursing Home in Conneautville, PA for the past three years, died there on Thursday, November 18, 2010 after a period of failing health. Born in Kittanning, PA on August 26, 1921, he was a son of the late Roswell Parker O’Connor and Cora Pearl Fulton O’Connor. On June 26, 1942, shortly after graduating from Meadville High School, Richard married the former Eloise Fleek. In October of the same year, he enlisted in the US Army serving his country for four years. After being honorably discharged he and Eloise moved to Venango, PA where they lived most of their remaining years. Employed as a carpenter, Richard worked for Carpenters Union # 81, doing most of his work in Crawford County. After his retirement in 1977, he continued to volunteer his skills to assist persons with carpentry repairs. In 1952 Richard built his own house in Venango where his children were raised and in 1977 he built his retirement house also in Venango where he resided until 2006. He then spent several years with his daughter, Karen, in Jamestown, PA. before entering Rolling Fields.

O'Connor, Richard FultonRichard, who was proud of his heritage for being an Irishman, had a very outgoing personality and made friends easily. He liked to do volunteer work and did so in the Venango Volunteer Fire Department and as mayor and councilman for Venango Boro for many years. In addition, he was a volunteer at Wesbury United Methodist Community and in earlier years organized a Jr. Fireman marching unit in Venango. He also was a drummer for the Meadville Thunderbirds Drum Corp. Of special interest to Richard was politics where he was active and well known throughout the County as a republican committeeman and as a supporter of candidates running for office. He was a member of the Venango United Methodist Church. Well known for his practical jokes, Richard always lifted the spirits of people he came in contact. In particular, he enjoyed children.

Family surviving Richard include three daughters – Cynthia McCabe and her husband, William of Phoenix, AZ; Karen Hanna and her husband, William of Jamestown, PA; and Colleen Anderson and her husband, Jeffrey of Cordova, TN; a son – Michael P. O’Connor and his wife, Bette of Meadville; four grandchildren – Tiffany O’Connor Triana; Kelli Lyons; Michael P. O’Connor II; and Connor Anderson; six great grandchildren – Donovan Triana; Maya Triana; Rory Allen; Rachel Allen; Ryan Allen; and Renee Allen. He was preceded in death, in addition to his wife – Eloise of 65 years, by four brothers – Cecil, Robert, Ivan, and Donald O’Connor; and three sisters – Jean Peterson, Freda Blaney, and Martha Baker.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Tuesday from 11:00 until 1:00. At 1:00 p.m. funeral services will be held with Reverend John Phipps, pastor of the Rockford United Methodist Charge, Rockford, PA, officiating. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.