Robert O’Connor

1946 - 2024

ALLEGANY, N.Y. - Robert L. O'Connor, 78, of 3317 W. Five Mile Road, passed away peacefully Monday (Aug. 5, 2024) at home, surrounded by family after an illness.
Born April 25, 1946, in Olean, he was a son of Lawrence and Marian Covert O'Connor. On July 15, 1967, at St. Gabriel's Church in Port Allegany, Pa., he married Linda E. Tyson, who survives.
Robert was a graduate of Port Allegany High School and of Mansfield University from which he received his bachelor's degree. He obtained his master's degree in education from St. Bonaventure University and soon began a career in education.
He first taught fourth and sixth grades for 14 years at Boardmanville and Ivers J. Norton elementary schools in Olean as well as coached football for the high school. He then became the principal at Franklinville Elementary School for 21 years until his retirement.
Robert treasured his wife and family first and foremost. With them he enjoyed spending summers at the family cottage in Canada, their hunting camp in Friendship and vacations at Daytona Beach, Fla. He proudly showed his loyalty as a huge Buffalo Bills fan. Two years ago, a long-held dream of his was fulfilled when he became the owner of a Corvette convertible, blue to be exact.
He leaves behind a beautiful family, including the love of his life of 57 years, Linda; two daughters, Robin (James) Charles of Olean and Jennifer (Brian) Sisson of Olean; three grandchildren, Connor Charles (Ryan) Baer, Collin (Anna) Charles and Ryan (Annabelle) Sisson; three great-grandchildren, Robert "Bobby" Baer, Rhett Baer and Weston Charles; one sister, Bonnie O'Connor McKillip of Port Allegany; and several nieces and nephews.
The family welcomes friends to a visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday (Aug. 9, 2024) at Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 Route 417 W., Olean, NY 14760. The Rev. Peter Bassey of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Gabriel Cemetery in Port Allegany.
An ongoing scholarship in Robert's name is being established for future Franklinville High School students pursuing a career in education. A contribution to this may be made payable to Robert O'Connor Educational Memorial Scholarship, C/O Olean Teachers and Postal Federal Credit Union, 1700 Constitution Ave., Olean, NY 14760.