John Patrick “Pat” O’Connor, 84, passed peacefully Wednesday morning, May 22, 2024, after an extended illness, in the loving hands of Belle Springs Healthcare Center and hospice staff in Bellefontaine, and in the presence of family.
The eldest son of the late Thomas E. And Margaret O’Connor was born July 20, 1939, in Bellefontaine. He resided most of his life at the family residence at 520 East Columbus Ave. Bellefontaine, and later at the family cottage at Indian Lake.
He attended St. Patrick Parochial School and graduated from Bellefontaine High School with the class of 1957, where he served as President of the Senior class and star quarterback of the Chieftains football team. He attended The University of Notre Dame for three years before studying for the priesthood for a year.
A veteran of the United States Army, and recipient of the Soldier of the Month award at his base in New Mexico, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a parishioner of St. Patrick Church in Bellefontaine and later St. Mary of the Woods Church in Russells Point. In his later years he was affiliated with the family businesses.
Survivors include two brothers, Thomas E. (Adrianne) O’Connor and Mark S.(Martha) O’Connor; nieces and nephews, Dr. John Christopher (Kelsea) O’Connor, Kevin (Cheryl) O’Connor, Colleen (Ric Miller) O’Connor, Katharine O’Connor, Timothy (Tricia) O’Connor, Dr. Anne (Jay Uhlinger) O’Connor and Brendan O’Connor; and many Zettler family cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, May 31, St.. Patrick Church, 316 East Patterson Avenue, Bellefontaine with the Rev. Shawn Landenwitch officiating. Pat’s family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Belle Springs and the hospice care providers for the wonderful care given to Pat, and to Tom and Ellen Klofta and their family for watching after Pat for many years.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Patrick Church or St. Mary of the Woods Church.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the O’Connor family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.