Joseph P. O’Connor

GUILDERLAND – Joseph Patrick O’Connor, 49, of Guilderland, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, in Boston, surrounded by his family. Joe was as strong as he was unselfish, as positive as he was generous, as loving as he was loved, and Joe will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Joe leaves behind the most important thing to him in life: his family. Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 26 years, Peggy (Janeski) O’Connor; his adoring children, Erin M. O’Connor (fiancé Grant Socha, who were introduced by Joe), Kelsey N. O’Connor, and Timothy P. O’Connor. Joe is survived by his mother, Marian A. (Wemple) O’Connor (the late Frank C. O’Connor Jr. who, it is certain, was the first one to greet him); his siblings and their spouses, Kathleen M. Ryan (Frank), Deborah A. Marino (Robert), Frank C. O’Connor III (Carol Kirk), Judith M. Dixon, Thomas J. O’Connor (Kimberly Usas); and many admiring and loving nieces and nephews.

Joe worked at TW&A Construction Management in Schenectady assisting business development as Project Manager and loved his work, much of it assisting in the transformation of downtown Schenectady. Previous to his work with TW&A, Joe worked in the automotive business for 25 years. He was a tireless advocate for the City of Schenectady and he enjoyed giving back to the community. He was involved with the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation, Schenectady Ambassadors, and he coached youth sports for many years, leaving his mark on an untold number of children and young adults. However, the accomplishment Joe was most proud of were his three children.

First and foremost, Joe loved spending time with family. He was an avid sportsman who loved the outdoors and the ocean -especially Green Harbor. He was an Automotive Enthusiast and he treasured his loyal German Shepherds. He enjoyed the company of friends, listening to music, cigars by the fire, watching Notre Dame football, and being the best dressed person in the room, even, no doubt, at his own funeral. Joe had an incredible sense of humor, a strong loyalty to family and friends, a powerful work ethic, an unwavering moral compass, and the gentlest spirit that absolutely overflowed out of the strongest, toughest man you’ll ever meet.

Joe will be remembered for his generosity, his love for life, and his love for his family. Joe was the first to offer his help, whether it was cutting down a tree, or offering any favor. Everyone who knows Joe is asked to celebrate his life as he celebrated it every day: with kindness, generosity, strength, determination, and love of family and friends.

Joe’s family would like to give sincere thanks to the incredible team at Dana Farber –Yawkey 7 who worked so hard, lovingly caring for Joe, and who became his dearest friends during his twenty-one month fight against cancer.  In lieu of flowers we would request donations to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute-Yawkey 7, which can be mailed to Hans Funeral Home.

O’Connor Strong.

Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Saturday morning at 9:00am, and from there to St Madeleine Sophie Church, 3510 Carman Rd, Schenectady, at 10:00am.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4:30 to 8:30pm.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.