Col. Theodore J. "Ted" O'Connor

Col. Theodore J. “Ted” O’Connor, 94 years of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 8, 2015 in his home. Born June 1, 1920 in Utica, NY, Ted was the son of the late James Joseph and Rose (Ouimette) O’Connor. He was a 1938 graduate of Whitesboro High School in New York and went on to attend Cornell University. On August 18, 1945, Ted married his beloved wife, the former Kathleen M. Foster, in Slough, Buckinghamshire, England. They moved to Monroe in 2006 from their home in Warsash, England. Sadly, Kathleen preceded him in death on November 30, 2008 after 63 years of marriage. Ted served his country honorably and proudly as a Colonel in the United States Air Force from April of 1942 until his retirement in October of 1972. For his service he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaves, and various other campaign ribbons and medals for his service in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Ted was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Monroe and the Retired Officers Association of the United States. Ted will be remembered as philanthropist, who was very generous with charitable organizations, a hero to our country and a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Ted is survived by two loving children: Theodore T. J. (Connie Dee) O’Connor of Newport Beach, CA and CDR. Michael P. (Michelle) O’Connor, USN Retired, of Monroe, MI, six cherished grandchildren: Theodore, Garrett, Sean, Ashley, Regan and Brendan, two treasured great grandchildren: Teddy and Vincent and a sister: Alma Scheidelman of New Hartford, NY. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Ted was preceded in death by a sister: Mary Dedell. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2015 from 4-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. Monroe, MI 48161, where funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 10:00 AM. Sister Kate O’Brien, Chaplain, Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe will officiate. He will be interred next to his wife at Great Lakes National Cemetery with full military honors in Holly, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Col. Theodore J. "Ted" O'Connor

June 1, 1920 - May 8, 2015