Christopher Joseph O'Connor

Christoper Joseph O'Connor, age 46, of Addison, IL, passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2025. He was born on October 6, 1978, in New Jersey to the late Virginia Edwards. He lost his mother when he was 37 to breast cancer.

April and Chris were married on April 20, 1999, at the age of 19 and celebrated the birth of their child, Logan on December 17, 2001. Although they divorced in 2003, they remained in each other's life. He loved April and Logan no matter how complicated life got. He cared deeply for his friends and he loved his job.

Chris' passion was teaching Karate. What started as classes soon turned into a teaching career for more than a decade. Chris always had a deep respect for the Japanese culture and loved working with the families. He loved Karate so much that he created his own "karate" dance moves. Yes, embarrassing to some, Chris however did all his moves with pride. Chris went on to earn his 3rd degree black belt which he proudly displayed in his home. Chris loved the Japanese culture so much, he started learning the language in his spare time.

Chris loved video games, rescuing animals and anime. He loved shooting his bow and arrow wherever he could, even if it created holes in the process.

Chris had a very MacGyver personality. He could build anything from the spare parts he sometimes collected on garbage day. He believed he could fix anything, now you may need a professional to come in and fix it afterwards…but his heart was always in the right place. He could have written a book on the many uses of duct tape.

Chris was scrappy and a hard worker. He never let disappointment get him down. He was a fighter and he loved his family. He was a very "creative" cook, made everyone laugh with his dad jokes and would constantly entertain and amaze with his Spiderman-like moves. Chris' warm smile and life of the party attitude will be dearly missed.

Chris was loved by so many. He is survived by the mother of his child, April and their child Logan (Rin), his brother and sister, Seth and Lexi Edwards, his aunt Mollie (Mike) Balaskovits.

A visitation for Chris will be held at DuPage Funeral Chapel (951 W. Washington Street, West Chicago) on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 1-4 PM with a service beginning at 2 PM. A private interment at Forest Hill Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Animal Rescue Foundation (A.R.F.), in Christopher's name, to 531 West Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60189, 630.200.3828.