Joseph A. O'Connor

Joseph A. O'Connor, 78, spent his final days surrounded by his loving family and died at his home, October 3, 2011. Joseph was born July 26, 1933 in Highland Park, Michigan to James and Eulela O'Connor. He was raised in Birmingham, Michigan, the beloved sixth born in a family of nine children. He kept an already busy house happy with his unfailing optimism and energy. Joseph graduated from Birmingham High School and attended both Central Michigan and the University of Detroit where he played football. He graduated from the University of Detroit with a degree in education. Joseph served in the Korean War as a communication specialist and spent time in both Korea and Japan. He met his beautiful wife Rayleen at the University of Detroit on July 19, 1956. They married January 25, 1958 and had four daughters. He often referred to himself as the "Thorn among the Roses". He loved to be involved in his daughters' lives, from sporting events to school activities and theatre. Joseph enjoyed his years as a teacher and coach at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School. Later he found it rewarding to help troubled youths as a Juvenile Probation Officer for Macomb County. His many interests included camping, golf, reading, music, cheering for the Detroit Tigers, and later attending his grandchildren's sporting events and dance recitals. Above all he was a people person who enjoyed conversation. His optimism and zest for life left people glad to have known him. He was thoughtful to the needs of others and his generous spirit reflected his unwavering faith as a Christian. Joseph is survived by his wife, Rayleen; and his children, Carolyn (Mike) Plague, Judy (John) Theuer, Mary (Rick) Smrtnik, and Kristyn (Brad) Rhoades. He will be especially missed by his grandchildren: Katie, Jessie, Christopher, Andrew, Jackson, Joe, Tiffany, Sam, Christopher and Melissa. His siblings include: Pat (Sally), the late Jim (Donna), Marge (the late Walt) Seery, Dick (Jean), Mary Denison, Mickey (Sue), Terry, Sue (John) Kirkland; and sister-in-law, Jackie Nanni and brothers-in-law Barney and the late Dan Nanni. Also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Visitation Friday, October 7, 2011 from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Rd. at Masonic, Warren. Scripture service 7:00 pm. In state Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 9:30 am until time of Funeral Mass 10:00 am at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, 11200 Twelve Mile Rd., Warren. Military Honors will conclude the service at church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Right to Life of Michigan, or to Henry Ford Hospice.

Funeral Home:

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

32000 Schoenherr Rd.

Warren, MI

US 48088