William J. O'Connor

William J. O’Connor, 78, of Worcester, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 30, with his family at his side at the UMass-Memorial Medical Center. 

Bill now rejoins in eternal life his soulmate and wife of 44 years, Mary A. (Clancy) O’Connor, who died in 2016.  Bill lived for his wife Mary.  

He leaves four children, William P. O’Connor and his wife Laura of Worcester, Patrick S. O’Connor and his wife Melissa of North Attleboro, Paul J. O’Connor and his wife Colleen of Worcester, and Brian J. O’Connor and his wife Ashley of Worcester, with whom he lived; 12 grandchildren, “Little” Bill, Emily, Jennifer, Matthew, Liam, Alyssa, Hannah, Keirra, Paul Jr., Sean, Ryan and Kayla; a sister-in-law, Carol A. O’Connor of West Boylston, and a brother-in-law Paul Clancy and his wife Patricia of Worcester.

William was born in Worcester, son of William and Anne (Candlin) O’Connor and was a graduate of the former Sacred Heart Academy.  He later earned a degree from Worcester Junior College. 

Bill was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force.  He was also proud of his Irish heritage.   

Bill retired after many years working at Worcester City Hall.  In retirement he worked part-time for NAPA Auto Parts until last year.  Early in his career, he was an accountant for the office products manufacturer Wright Line in Worcester.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish.

After the passing of his wife Mary, Bill lived with wonderful memories of her and shifted his focus to some simple hobbies such as listening to the fire scanner, doing word searches, and watching WWE and football, especially the fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

There will be calling hours Tuesday April 4, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester.  The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales St., Worcester.  Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery.

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