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.
Richard, 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.
I have so missed Rich and Eloise these past years. It was wonderful to know them and a blessing to spend time with them. I remember even now, Michael as a child so excited to see his Pa Pa, and him riding on Pa Pa’s knee on the lawn mower. Both of them wearing baseball caps. Michaels was many sizes too big of course because he would insist on wearing Pa Pa’s. What wonderful grandparents they both were. Impossible to replace, and will be greatly missed.
Our love and prayers to all of you. What a great father and man Rich was. I forgot about him being a member of the Meadville Thunderbirds Drum Corps. I will miss his daily greeting of “Hey Girl”, and “Hi, beautiful” at Rolling Fields. I feel blessed to have known him these last three years. Vikki and Ed Hendrickson
I know you know how much fun your Dad was to be around but just wanted to share my fond memories of having Rich as a volunteer at Wesbury. He and John came most every Thursday to play pool with the fellas and to torment me! At that time, I was Director of Volunteers/Activities. They pulled all kinds of pranks but what fun it was! Your parents were very special folks and we were all blessed to know them. Pastor Bobbie Nelson, Kennerdell, Pa.
I thought the world of Uncle Rich and always enjoyed being around him and his humor. He and Aunt Eloise stopped at my house in NC to visit a couple of times on their way to visit Colleen when she lived in Raleigh. I learned a lot of things about my family during those visits. I wish I could be there Tuesday to pay my respects, but it’s just not possible. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all.
Love, Doreen
Cindy, Bill, Kelli, Karen, Mike and Colleen….
Our love and prayers to all you. I have very fond memories of spending time with the O’Connor family and your Dad was such a loving, gentle man who always made you smile. I feel very blessed to have known him and the entire Rich and Eloise O’Connor family. Love, Karin Right-Nolan and Mike Nolan
What a wonderful father you all had!!!!!
All our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Vera and De ardis Davis
Rich, you will be missed! Thank you for the laughs and the laughter over the years. Thank you for your love, kindness and friendship.
John, Tracey, Riley and Ethan
Many memories of Rich and Eloise O’Connor as neighbors and friends in Venango. Rich and Eloise were both fully involved in the community for years and always took an interest in neighbors. Their home was always open to visits and sharing. They will be missed.