Robert J. "Bob" O'Connor

(Daily Record)

ROBERT J. "BOB" O'CONNOR
AGE: 87 HANOVER TOWNSHIP
Robert J. "Bob" O'Connor, world's best father, of Hanover Township, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at Morristown Memorial Hospital. He was 87. Born in East Orange, Mr. O'Connor grew up in Orange and was a graduate of Orange High School. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. An accomplished musician, he was stationed with a U.S. Army band at the U.S. Army Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Ala., playing the saxophone and clarinet. Mr. O'Connor received his honorable discharge and went on to matriculate at Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. He was hired as a chemist by Allied Signal in Morris Township and then by Colgate-Palmolive in Jersey City. He was promoted to manager of Chemical Purchases of Colgate-Palmolive, with his office at the company's world headquarters on Park Avenue in New York City. He retired in 1984 after 32 years with the company. He has lived in Hanover Township for over 50 years. Mr. O'Connor was a member of Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church, Cedar Knolls and the Hanover Township Senior Citizens. He was an avid reader and bowler.
He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Margaret Toomey O'Connor; loving father of Robert O'Connor and his wife Karen of Long Valley, and Karen Pitts and her husband Jon of College Station, Texas; cherished grandfather of Rob O'Connor and his wife Lila of Rockaway, Brian O'Connor and his wife Lisa of Eatontown, Kellette Elliott and her husband Templeton of Norfolk, Va., Kyle O'Connor of Long Valley, and Jane Waugh and her husband Nolan of Katy, Texas. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Colin O'Connor.
Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2008 at the Bradley-Braviak Funeral Home, 49 Whippany Road, Whippany. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 at the funeral home. An entombment will follow at Holy Rood Mausoleum, Morristown. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church, 75 Ridgedale Ave., Cedar Knolls, NJ, 07927. For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.