Robert D. O'Connor

AUBURN-Robert D. O'Connor, 82, of Eddy Pond East and formerly of Worcester, died Thursday, September 30, 2021 at home with his loving family by his side. He joined his beloved wife Carol E. (Svenson) who died on September 16. Bob and Carol celebrated their 59th Wedding Anniversary on July 4th of this year.

He was born in Worcester, son of William and Beatrice (Jordan) O'Connor and graduated from Commerce High School. Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1959 and during that time he qualified as a paratrooper.

Bob worked in in the wholesale food distribution industry for many years in the sales and marketing division. Most recently, he owned and operated his own consulting company. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and made sure to celebrate St. Patrick's Day every year with his family. Bob was a Boston Bruins fan and a "die hard" Yankee's fan, and was an avid reader, especially of all the Stephen King books. Maybe as much as he loved professional sports, he loved being the number one supporter to his grandchildren be it softball, baseball, soccer, hockey or dance. He was present whenever possible cheering them on, coaching them afterward telling them their strengths and where to tighten up, and he kept a scrapbook of each time their name was in the paper.

Bob is survived by three children, Robin L. Mercurio of Millbury, Kim A. Marshall and husband Paul of Oxford, Brian F. O'Connor and wife Gena Nolin of Hampstead, NH and Stephen Harper, who was like a son to him. He also leaves his brother William O'Connor, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Marlborough. He was a loving "Pa Bob" and "Grampa" to six beautiful grandchildren: Rebecca Ploof and her husband Scott, Rachael Mercurio and her fiancé, James Gil, Daniel Mercurio and wife Gillian, Ryan and Katelyn Marshall and Mikaylah O'Connor, and his great grandson, Matthew Gil. He was predeceased by two sisters, Anne Ruggieri McGuinness and Patricia Cozzolino.

A Celebration of Bob and Carol's lives will be held Friday, October 15th from 5:00 until 7:00pm at Lindquist Lundin Funeral Home, 36 Butler Street, Worcester.

To honor Bob's Catholic faith, a Prayer Service will be said at the conclusion of visiting hours and immediately followed with Army Funeral Honors.

A Funeral Service to honor Carol will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, October 16th at Quinsigamond United Methodist Church, 9 Stebbins Street, Worcester. Please gather directly at church.

Interment will be private and held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.