William H. O'Connor

William "Bill" H. O'Connor

Of Ransomville, NY, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, under the care of Niagara Hospice, provided at Our Lady of Peace, surrounded by his family. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY, on August 18, 1942, the eldest son of the late Holman G. and Mary H. [Walton] O'Connor.

Mr. O'Connor was a graduate of Wilson High School, where he obtained a Scientific diploma, the University of Notre Dame, where he was on the Dean's List and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and Cornell University, where he obtained a Master of Business Administration. Bill had an expansive career, in the fields of engineering and project management, as well as agriculture, during which he was adept at meeting challenges and breaking new ground. His achievements and contributions are many. He obtained a PE License, as well as a CDL. He worked in GM's automotive wind tunnels while at Harrison Radiator. He advocated for and made cutting-edge improvements at the O'Connor family's Lakeside Farms, where he worked tirelessly to ensure the large-scale farm's success. He designed and oversaw construction of an alfalfa dehydrator, cabbage harvester, and controlled atmosphere cold storage facility. Each was state of the art and utilized heavily at Lakeside Farms.

Bill very much enjoyed his work in the field of project management. He was instrumental in making it possible for one of Greece Central School District's renovation projects to reach a successful completion; and he even saw the Athena Performing Arts Center, which had been a part of the renovation project, visited by George W. Bush, the President of the United States at the time. Bill managed construction of the ethanol plant in Medina, NY, which was the first in the Northeast U.S. and is the first and only large-scale plant in New York State. He also managed the demolition of manufacturing buildings at Carrier's plant in Syracuse, NY, a significant landmark that is an important piece of history. Bill started O'Connor Consulting, through which he provided consulting services until his retirement.

Mr. O'Connor was committed to community, serving on Wilson Central School District's Board of Education for more than two decades. During this time, he served as the President of the Board for more than a decade. While serving as the President of the Board, he received the Stevenson Elementary School PTA's seventh annual New York state honorary life membership award. In honor of his service to the School District, Wilson High School's auditorium was dedicated to him and named the William H. O'Connor Performing Arts Center. Additionally, while serving as the President of the Board, Bill had the honor of handing his children their high school diplomas.

Bill was a life-long car enthusiast, favoring muscle cars, hot rods, and classics. He enjoyed the Indie 500 and drag racing, even winning local races in his youth. He had fun driving a prized 1967 Corvette with the 427, big block engine. While a student at Notre Dame, he organized a car show that was held in the newly constructed Stepan Center-one of the first geodesic domes built in the United States. He was a member of the National Hot Rod Association. Bill shared in his son's life-long enthusiasm for motorcycles. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and enjoyed shooting skeet.

Bill was a huge Fighting Irish football fan. Go Irish! He loved nature, photography, gardening, and woodworking. He gave meaning to the phrase jack of all trades. Having sown a seed that he had obtained from a pod that had fallen from a Sycamore tree at Notre Dame, he took joy over the years in watching it grow into a cherished and sacred tree. Bill always gave of his time and talent, touching the lives of countless individuals in a most special and meaningful way.

Mr. O'Connor is survived by his wife Coyla J. [Retan] O'Connor, they were married on June 8, 1968, in Florida, where fifty years later they were blessed to celebrate their 50th Anniversary together, his children Will (Carey) O'Connor and Coyla O'Connor, four grandchildren Caitlyn Reid, Madelyn O'Connor, Breelyn O'Connor, and Liam Tate, three great grandchildren Callie, Adelyn, and Charlotte, two siblings Tom (Wendy) O'Connor and John (Linda) O'Connor, also many nieces and nephews, and his dear friend and cat Iggy. Mr. O'Connor was the brother of the late Mary Ann Mahar and Maureen Evans.

Bill "PaPa" loved his family, deeply and dearly, beyond measure; his family loved him, deeply and dearly, beyond measure. He was always present to each of his family members, giving his undivided attention, his supportive hand, his wisdom, and his heart of gold. He is with his family always, held in a most special place in their hearts; his family is with him always, held in a most special place in his heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Bill's honor for family and friends at Bandana's Bar & Grill, located at 930 Lake Road, in Youngstown, NY 14171, on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 12:00PM.