O'Connor, Patrick Jeremiah

PJ O'Connor of St Augustine, FL and Avon, CT, passed away October 5, 2022 with family at his bedside in St Augustine at the Bailey Center for Caring after a lengthy hospitalization. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Frances (Andrew) O'Connor of St Augustine, FL and Avon, CT and his daughter Courtney J O'Connor, son-in-law Tyler N Graham and one-and-only grandchild, Ryan Patrick Graham of Colorado Springs, CO. In addition, he leaves behind his sister Ann Gieras and her husband John of West Hartford, CT; his cousin and "brother from another mother," Eugene Sheehan and his wife Marcia of Hatfield, MA; and close friends Marilyn Ware of Wethersfield, CT and Jon and Maura Faye Chasson of Sulphur, LA. He also leaves his brother-in-law Merwin Andrew and his wife Mary of Columbia, CT and nephews John Gieras and his wife Lorraine and their children, JP and Cole of Newington CT; Kevin Gieras and his wife Jenny and their children Julia and Katherine of Katonah, NY; Jason Andrew of Miami Springs, FL and niece Jean Vossler and her husband Ben of Westbrook, CT. His other surviving cousins include Dr Patrick Sheehan and his wife Shari of Rockville, MD; Ellen Greany and her husband Howie of Holyoke, MA and their children; Mary Curran of Holyoke, MA and her children; and Mary O'Brien of Dublin, Ireland.

Born March 29, 1945 in Hartford, CT, the oldest of two children, PJ was predeceased by his parents Patrick J O'Connor and Eileen (O'Shea) O'Connor, both originally from County Kerry, Ireland. He was also preceded in death by his nephew Patrick Gieras of West Hartford, CT and his cousin Neil Sheehan whose surviving wife, Susan and their children, Maria Sheehan and Catherine Bruno and her children reside in Washington, D.C. Other predeceased relatives include several aunts, uncles and cousins in the United States and Ireland.

PJ was a Journeyman Ironworker and a lifetime member of Ironworkers Local 15 in Hartford, CT, actively involved in union matters, served several terms on its Executive Board, where he was known as "the voice of reason," and was a member of the Ironworkers Retirees Club. After a hardship discharge from the United States Army, PJ, known to his union brothers as "Pat," began his career as an apprentice in 1966 and retired in 2002. He loved the high-risk, skilled trade, was proficient in all facets of ironworking and passed on his knowledge through example and later as an instructor. PJ described himself as having a mechanical mind which was evidenced by his ability to problem solve, build and fix things. He loved all things Irish including marching in the Hartford St Patrick's Day Parade with his union brothers and was a former member of the Irish American Home Society. He was known for his quick wit and had substantial knowledge in numerous unrelated areas including history, geology, meteorology, gardening, woodworking, financial markets and politics. PJ was a local history buff and loved exploring hidden trails and paths in surrounding areas where he lived and traveled, and would often bring his daughter and dogs on new hikes. He enjoyed tending his yearly vegetable gardens and shared the fruits of his labor with family, friends and neighbors.

Most of all, PJ appreciated being surrounded by family and his closest friends. Humor came easily to him and he regularly had loved ones, particularly his sister, roaring with laughter. He enjoyed outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, snorkeling and hiking as well as vacationing at beach destinations with family and friends in Mexico and the Caribbean, and taking road trips throughout the United States and Canada. He was a lover of dogs and was owned by four Doberman Pinschers and four Weimaraners in his married life. He sadly leaves behind his rescue Weimaraners, Newman and Hanna, who miss him dearly.

Final arrangements are being managed by St John Family Funeral Home in St Augustine, FL. A celebration of his life will take place in Connecticut in the spring of 2023 at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital, Lifeline Dog Rescue in FL or the donor's choice.

St. Johns Family Funeral Home, St. Augustine, FL, is in charge of arrangements.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries