James F. O'Connor

He was the loving husband of the late Elizabeth (Gilhooly) O’Connor for over 55 years. Born in Providence, RI he was the son of the late John O’Connor and Margaret (Cronin) O’Connor. He was a lifelong Providence resident.

He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and that same year enlisted in the army and served in the 7th Regiment of the First Cavalry Division from 1947-1953 in Japan and Korea. As Sgt. First Class he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars.

James worked for the Providence Post Office for over 35 years before retiring. A favorite past time was walking daily on Blackstone Blvd with friends for over 34 years. He enjoyed rooting for the New England Patriots with his family. Jim was an active member in the Holy Name community for over 75 years and was its oldest parishioner. He was a commentator, Eucharistic Minister, Parish Board Trustee, President of the parish council and instrumental in planning the Scholar Club to help fund the parish school.

Frequently, he would fill in as an altar server for many funerals and weddings. He believed that serving his parish and lending a helping hand to people was the Christian way and one he fully embraced. James was a member of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, RI Ceilidhe Club and The Knights of Columbus, Cranston Council.

He loved being in his home reading the newspaper on the front porch and having friends and family stop by. Most of all he cherished the time he spent with his four daughters creating special memories with each one and sharing wonderful stories.

Jim is survived by four daughters, Susan Hayden and husband Thomas, Barbara O’Connor, Louise Wilcox and husband Paul, Joan Iacono, grandchildren and their spouses Ryan and Rachel Hayden, Christopher and Christina Wilcox, Craig and Alyson Wilcox, Brendan and Kellie Hayden, Shannon Wilcox, Michaela Iacono, Cameron Iacono and five great-granddaughters. He was the brother of the late John, Daniel, Charles, Margaret, Josephine and Theresa Harrington.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 30, at 10:00 am in Holy Name Church 99 Camp St. in Providence. Burial will be in Saint Ann Cemetery in Cranston. Visiting hours are Monday, January 29, from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Lady Chapel at Holy Name Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Name Church 99 Camp St. Providence, RI 02906 or The Tomorrow Fund RI Hospital Campus Physician’s Office Building, Ste. 422 110 Lockwood Street, Providence, RI 02903.