Obituary of Michael J. O'Connor

Thorndike- Michael J. O'Connor, 92, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2021 at Baystate Wing Hospital. He was born in Leeds on November 9, 1928 to the late Maurice and Mary (Murphy) O'Connor and was raised and lived his lifetime in Palmer. He was a carpenter and a mason for most of his life, but finished the 10 years of his career at the Palmer Park Dept. He was a staple of Palmer as he was a member of the American Legion and Amvets. His time at Amvets included being a member of their finance committee, the honor guard along with Bingo. Michael also was a volunteer for many years at the Palmer Fire Dept along with volunteering his time for 10 years at the Veterans' Cemetery. As a proud veteran of both the Army and Navy, he served during the times of WWII and Korea. Michael truly loved his family, his country and everything Irish.

Michael will be deeply missed by his sons Rick and wife CJ of Naples, FL, Michael J. Jr. and wife Claudia of Monson and his daughter, Kerry Ann Kielbasa and husband Mark of Westfield. In addition to his five grandchildren, George, Tricia and Jonathan O'Connor, and Scott and Jennifer Kielbasa and eight great-grandchildren, he leaves behind his sisters Christine (Sis) Nichols and Roseanne St. George. Michael is predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia M. (Santucci), sister, Margaret Donatini and brother, John O'Connor.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, September 8th from 4pm-6pm at Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be Thursday at 11:30 am at St. Thomas Church (please meet directly at church) in Palmer, followed by a burial at MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Michael's memory to St. Mary's Scholarship Fund, 1076 Thorndike St in Palmer.