Cleveland, Ohio
O'CONNOR JEROME "JERRY" O'CONNOR 86, died July 18, 2011. Born and raised in Chicopee, MA., a beloved son of the late John and Maud (nee Horgan) O'Connor. Jerry resided in Cleveland for the last 37 years. He served his country by enlisting in the United States Army during World War II (European Theater). Trained as a tool and die maker, Jerry was promoted into management and worked in supervision positions for various Midwest manufacturers including Walker Manufacturing Company in Michigan and Monarch Rubber Company in Ohio before purchasing National Knife Company in Berea in the late seventies. Jerry was owner and president of National Knife Company, Berea, OH, for over 30 years before selling the company and retiring in 2008. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty Rae (nee Green); daughters Kathleen O'Connor, Maureen T. O'Connor; stepdaughter Sharon Green; and son-in-law, Joe Firtha; his sister, Gertrude M. Swords of Auburndale, MA.; and brother, Justin O'Connor of Amherst, MA. Jerry is survived by his children, Patrick M. O'Connor with wife, Mary of Plano, TX., Timothy J. O'Connor with wife, Mary of Fairview Park, OH., Deborah M. Firtha (Joseph) of Atwater, OH., and Kevin M. O'Connor with wife, Debbie of Vienna, VA.; a sister, Joan Newby of Bowie, MD.; and sister-in-law, Claire "Patsy" O'Connor of Amherst, MA.; stepson Kenneth Green with wife, Mary Jane of Cleveland; and step-daughter, Judith Ives and husband, Warren of Columbia Station; as well as his loving 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Jerry was a loyal parishioner of Our Lady of Angels Church for over 25 years. Funeral Mass Thursday, July 21, Our Lady of Angels Church, (3644 Rocky River Dr.) at 10 a.m. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Randolph, OH. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR. AT PURITAS, WEDNESDAY 3-7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry's memory to Sisters of Poor Clare at Monastery of the Poor Clares, 3501 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland, OH 44111-2998. www.chambersfuneral.com
Our prayers are with you all as we mourn the loss of our beloved Uncle Jerry . May he rest in peace with Justin, Gertrude, Grandpa and Grandma O'Connor.
The O'Connor family
Eileen Iacobucci
July 20, 2011 | Palm Harbor, FL
I worked with Jerry at Monarch Rubber. I was only out of college for a few years. Jerry was the greatest teacher I ever knew. He had a way about him that even though he wanted to solve a problem for you he guided you through and let you solve it. Jerry was very proud of his Family and Heritage and although I only met one or two of his Family I felt like I had known them for years because Jerry was so proud and spoke of their many accomplishments. I was fortunate enough to stop and see Jerry...
Larry Wise
July 20, 2011 | North Ridgeville, OH
Our father - his pain is gone. May he rest in peace. We miss you, Dad, and send our love to you.
Kevin O'Connor
July 19, 2011 | Vienna, VA
May God bless and keep you friend.
May your hearts soon be filled with warm memories as you celebrate a life well lived.
Fran Gatwood
July 19, 2011 | Berea, OH
