Gerald 'Jerry' O'Connor

Gerald 'Jerry' O'Connor Mahomet - Gerald Robert O'Connor, 82, of Mahomet passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on Monday (Nov. 3, 2025). Jerry was born Aug. 11, 1943, in Urbana, to parents Frank Robert O'Connor and Mary Ellen O'Connor. Jerry grew up in Champaign, where he attended all grades of school. He graduated from Champaign Central High School in 1961 and, soon after, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Hollister as an internal communication specialist until his honorable discharge in 1963. Jerry was proud of his military service. Jerry married Jo Ellen Wilson on Dec. 28, 1961, in West Minster, Calif. After Jerry's military discharge, they moved back to Illinois and settled in Bement, where they raised their four children, Shannon Quin, twins Shawn Michael and Anna Colleen and Daniel Robert. Jerry worked for GTE, now Verizon, as a switchman until his retirement in 1992. He then started his own painting and maintenance business and was a private contractor for Developmental Services of Champaign for 17 years. Jerry married Patti Vaughn on July 2, 1999. They enjoyed biking, nature walks, coffee shops and vacations in Florida. They were married 26 years until his death. Jerry enjoyed fishing and listening to Bob Seger and Irish music. Surviving are his wife, Patti of Mahomet; stepson, Daskel W. Vaugh Jr. of Urbana; children Shannon Quin of Champaign, Anna Colleen (David) Schwartz of Ivesdale and Daniel Robert (Deana) O'Connor of Mahomet; 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Michael Patrick (Paula) O'Connor of Monticello and Kevin John O'Connor of Melbourne, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Robert and Mary Ellen O'Connor; and son Shawn Michael O'Connor. Jerry will greatly be missed but forever in our hearts. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. The family wishes to extend a thank you and gratitude for the loving care given by Hospice and Bickford Assistant Living and memory care. Visitation will take place Sunday, Nov. 9, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 1102 Churchill Road, Mahomet, followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1102 Churchill Road, Mahomet, IL 61853.