Richard William O'Connor Passes Away at Age 84 in Manchester

Richard William O’Connor passed away on Wednesday in Manchester, New Hampshire, at the age of 84, following a brief illness.

Born on November 6, 1942, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to the late James R. and Frances V. O’Connor, Richard attended grammar school at St. Mary’s of Melrose, Massachusetts, and graduated from Don Bosco Technical High School in Boston.

Higher education followed at Northeastern University, where he secured an Associate of Science in Electronic Engineering from Lincoln College in June 1969 before obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from University College in June 1976. He also attended Naval Airborne Radar School in Memphis, Tennessee.

Richard built a diverse and demanding career rooted in technical precision and public service. He devoted 28 years as a technologist for EG&G Inc. in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and later served as a Field Service Engineer for Reliability Inc. in Wakefield, Massachusetts, for five years.

Later, his versatility brought him into security roles at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, the Internal Revenue Service in Andover, Massachusetts, and First Security Services working for New England Power Co. in Salem, Massachusetts.

Alongside his civilian career, Richard gave 29 years of service to the United States Naval Reserve, ultimately rising to the rank of Aviation Electronics Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer.

He is survived by his daughters Suzanne Below and her husband Matt of Derry, New Hampshire, and Christine Ellison and her partner Rich of Hudson, New Hampshire. He was a proud grandfather to Dillon Below and Deacon Ellison.

He is also survived by his brothers Arthur J. O’Connor and his wife Carol of Hampstead, New Hampshire, and James J. O’Connor and his wife Sharon of Billerica, Massachusetts, as well as his nieces and nephews—Mark, Kathy, Stephen, Greg, and Colleen—and his first wife, Donna Adams. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 38 years, Donna P. O’Connor.

Richard William O'Connor Passes Away at Age 84 in Manchester

Away from his work and service, Richard enjoyed playing tennis and racquetball, spending 22 years as a longtime member of the Hamilton Wenham Rod & Gun Club. He spent many years maintaining the yard at his home in Middleton, Massachusetts, and later cared for his property in Sweden, Maine.

Those who wish to honor his memory may make memorial donations to The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 USA, or visit the floral store to send flowers or plant a tree.