Patrick Thomas O'Connor

On September 6th, 2015 Patrick "Paudie" Thomas O'Connor passed away peacefully at his home with his beloved dogs at his side. Paud was born on March 26, 1960 in Ballyroe, Ballydavid Co. Kerry, Ireland and was a recent retiree of the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission where he had worked for many years. He was also the All Ireland Weightlifting Champion in 1984 and held the title for over sixteen years.

Paudie was a very proud Kerry man who loved his family, wife, friends, animals and his Kerry football team (for which he will now have the best seat at Croke to see his boys take on Dublin for the championship this month). He was a quiet, sweet and gentle soul whose life took meaning by helping others, making his wife laugh like hell every day and enjoying the simple pleasures of life, be it at home or along a country road adventure.

He leaves his loving wife, MaryKate (Caney) O'Connor, his siblings, Jannette (John Michael) O'Sullivan and Thomas O'Connor of Ballyroe, Mary (Pat) Clarke of Co. Galway, Marion Begley of Cuas, Co. Kerry and Maurice "Mossie" (Mary) O'Connor of Chicago, IL. He also leaves his beautiful nieces and nephews; Kieran, Diarmuid, Neasa, Deirdre and Fionnuala O'Connor of Chicago and Brianin, Cormac, Conchúbhair and Clíodhna Begley of Co. Kerry.

He was predeceased by his parents, Eileen (Begley) and Thomas O'Connor of Ballyroe who instilled in him an amazing work ethic and a true love of life, family and all of God's creatures.

He also leaves behind his good friend Richard Reid of Springfield who was always a tremendous help to him during his illness. And lastly, Paudie leaves his cherished pets, Molly, Daisy, Lily and Henry. Paud will be missed by all of his cousins and good friends in Ireland, England and America for he thought so highly of them and shared so many wonderful times.

His life will be celebrated on Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church (Chestnut St.) in Springfield.

Because our pets give us unconditional love and enrich our lives, Paudie would be truly honored to have any size donation made to the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Adoption Center (Springfield) in his name.