Obituary

Kenneth McDougal O'Connor Sr.

May 17th, 1922 – December 11th, 2021

Kenneth McDougal O'Connor, age 99, a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend, passed peacefully December 11th surrounded by the love and support of his family. Kenneth lived with his daughter Sharon, her husband Terry, and their children at the time of his death. They lovingly cared for him during the last four and a half years of his life in Orlando Florida.

Kenneth O'Connor was born May 17th, 1922, in Point Hill St. Catherine Jamaica to Charles and Charlotte O'Connor. He was born into a large family and was the second youngest of 10 children. In the mid '40s, Kenneth left Jamaica and traveled to England, where he developed a love of masonry, eventually becoming the first minority accepted into Springfield, Massachusetts's bricklayers' union . He departed from England sponsored by Mr. Tuttel, an American inventor who saw notable potential in Kenneth's work ethic. In 1955 Kenneth married Vera Smith, and from this union had three children: Kenneth Jr., Sharon, and Keith. He also had the fortunate opportunity at the age of 98 years old to become acquainted with his eldest son, Robert Robertson of Lansing Michigan.

In his former years, Kenneth was a very athletic man. Aside from being a skilled union bricklayer by profession, he participated in many extracurricular activities as well. He was co-founder and participant of The Springfield, MA Cricket Club, an avid gardener, long time member of his local recreation center and remained active even until the ripe old age of 95. He was also a very passionate dominoes player who loved challenging his opponents.

Kenneth O'Connor was an extraordinary man of integrity and wisdom, who loved God, his family, and this country more than anything. He did a remarkable job of encouraging and inspiring his family to be the best version of themselves they could be. Many of his grandkids, nieces, and nephews have personal memories of how motivational and supportive he was throughout their lives. He emphasized the importance of education and always strived for his loved ones to achieve academic success.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children and their spouses: Robert(Ora Robertson), Kenneth Jr. (Anne O'Connor), Sharon (Terry Alvanzo), and Keith (Valerie O'Connor); sixteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Kenneth McDougal O'Connor Sr. would always say,

" I Love my Family…All of my Family"

He will forever be remembered as the patriarch, and his legacy will live on and forever be cherished in the lives of everyone he encountered.