Joseph T O'Connor

Joseph T. O'Connor of West Chatham, 81, died peacefully on April 14, 2026. Born in Buffalo, New York, to Joseph V. and Elizabeth (Faller) O'Connor, Joe graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1962 and from Boston College in 1966. After college graduation, Joe joined the United States Navy. He attained the rank of lieutenant while serving on the U.S.S. Henderson, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal before being honorably discharged from service. He was and always remained very proud to be a member of the community of Vietnam veterans.

On his return to civilian life, Joe began a career in sales and management, ultimately moving to the greater Boston area and earning his MBA from Northeastern University. Joe's specialty was in the construction industry; he worked for many years at Hilti Fastening Systems demonstrating both the negotiating and interpersonal skills that were among his defining characteristics. Both at work and recreationally, Joe had a sense of adventure; he walked girders on skyscrapers and was an avid motorcyclist. He also had a talent for rebuilding and restoring classic motorcycles, cars, and trucks. From the Model T he resurrected as a teenager to the Impala Super Sport he owned in his retirement, Joe could find something to love in every one of his projects and was generous in sharing his interest and his skills.

In the 1990s, Joe moved to the Cape and, eventually, into the family home that his parents built and his family had enjoyed seasonally for nearly forty years. In typical style, he quickly reconnected with old friends and developed new ties in and around Chatham. He found his purpose, however, in his part-time work at the Hyannis VA Clinic, where he dedicated his time to making military veteran clients feel welcome and assisting fellow veterans in obtaining medical services. His family is grateful to the VA Clinic staff who provided Joe with inspiration; fellowship; and at least once a summer, an appreciative audience for his grilling talents. Joe loved his work with you and valued being a part of your team.

Six years ago, Joe took on a final new job -- one that he treasured -- when he became a grandfather. His granddaughter, Abigail Alva Johnson, brought him great joy. He looked forward to every visit and call and laughingly cherished the memories of their time together.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Katherine O'Connor; her former husband, Alex Johnson; and their daughter, Abigail. He will be sorely missed by his sister and constant support, Betsy Hand, and also leaves Betsy's three children and her grandchildren, as well as his former wife, Susan Prindall.

Calling hours will be Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Doane, Beale & Ames, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis. Burial will be private. Joe would be glad if, in his memory, his friends would take a moment to express support for active and retired United States service members.