Obituary of Donald J. O'Connor

"South Hadley, Donald J. O'Connor, 68, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 26, 2009 with his family and friends by his side. Donald was born in Holyoke, the son of the late John and Gertrude (MacDonald) O'Connor. He grew up in South Hadley and graduated from South Hadley High School in 1959. He worked as a production scheduler at James River Graphics before retiring in 1995. He served in the Holyoke National Guard from 1965 until 1969. He is survived by his former wife, Suzanne Baran of South Hadley, his son John and his wife Meloni and grandson Brayden of Virginia. His sister Carol Canas and her husband Gerry of West Virginia and his best friend Lester Laflamme of Holyoke also survive him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, July 29 at 9:00 a.m at St. Patrick's Church. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home by 8:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday from 4 -7 p.m. from the Beers and Story So. Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St. (Rte. 116). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baystate VNA and Hospice, PO Box 9058, 50 Maple St., Springfield, MA 01102. Please visit www.beersandstory.com to sign the online condolence. "