James R. O'Connor

It is with profound sadness, that we announce the passing of our loved one, James R. O'Connor on Sunday, (June 28, 2009) at the Maple View Manor in Rocky Hill. Jim was the loving husband of fifty-six years to Nancy (Rivers) O'Connor of East Hartford. Jim was born in Worcester, MA on May 18, 1934, a son of the late Michael J. and Anna G. (McGurl) O'Connor and had been a resident of East Hartford since 1955. James was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps having served during the Korean Conflict. Jim was a former Police Officer in the town of East Hartford and was a member of the East Hartford Police Benevolent Association. Jim was a salesman for Police and Fire Equipment for over thirty years in the Greater Hartford area retiring from Security Uniform & Police Equipment, New Britain. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus-Council #3901, East Hartford and the former East Hartford Elks Lodge. Jim enjoyed golf and baseball, especially watching and supporting his grandchildren play, as well as being a lover of dogs and other animals. Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by two brothers, William O'Connor of Texas and John O'Connor of West Hartford. Along with his devoted wife, Nancy, Jim is survived by his three caring daughters, Kathleen L. Cipolla and her husband, Frank, of Glastonbury, Darlene M. McCarthy and her husband, Daniel, of Tolland, Kelly O. Britt and her husband, Rob, of Rocky Hill; one special son, James William O'Connor of Ashaway, RI; one brother, Michael O'Connor and his wife, Diane, of East Hartford; nine adored grandchildren, Frank J. Cipolla and his fiancé, Meghan McNulty, of East Hartford, Brendan J. McCarthy of Tolland, Anthony M. Cipolla of Glastonbury, Thomas C. McCarthy of Tolland, Nicholas J.T. Britt of Rocky Hill, Michael R. McCarthy of Tolland, Christian J. Britt of Rocky Hill, Ryan J. O'Connor and Kailey O'Connor both of Mystic; two special friends, Frank Benettieri, Sr. and Romano Ratti both of East Hartford; his dear German Shepherd dog, Charlie; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 1 at 9:30 a.m. from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m at Our Lady of Peace Church, 370 May Road, East Hartford. Burial with full military honors will be at Veteran's Memorial Field-Hillside Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, June 30, from 4-7 p.m. Memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. Jim's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the entire staff (especially Edvina) at the Maple View Manor for their professionalism, care, love, and compassion given to Jim and his entire family. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.