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BORN
1955
DIED
2016
Pat O'Connor Obituary
He died of heart complications, his wife Marcia said.
In 1973, Mr. O'Connor had just turned 18 and, along with friends Jim Rodbard and Don Rose, moved from Kalamazoo to Toledo to open the widely popular Boogie Records.
They found an open space on West Central Avenue owned by Arnie Sells, who owned an insurance company at the time.
To Mr. Rose's surprise, the three friends were able to secure the spot.
"We were inexperienced," Mr. Rose said with a chuckle.
Mr. Rose said about $3,000 was invested into the business, and the trio actually lived in the record store for the first three to four months. Dinner would consist of a can of SpaghettiOs and they bought cheap mattresses from Goodwill to sleep on in the store. Showers were taken at the University of Toledo, often waiting for a custodian to get distracted so they could run past the worker.
"It was fantastic," Mr. Rose said of the time, adding that another friend, Steve Essick, joined Boogie Records about a year after opening. "We didn't want to pay ourselves anything more than just getting by because we wanted to build the business."
It was during the Boogie Records days that Marcia met Mr. O'Connor, as she was a regular customer.
"I loved music," she said.
After Boogie Records closed in early 2004, Mr. O'Connor went on to open Culture Clash Records, first at Westgate Village Shopping Center before moving to its current location at 4020 Secor Rd., which is best known for selling vinyl. On top of new and used records, the store also sells full sound systems and maintenance solutions, while hosting live music in the store.
Mrs. O'Connor said with Culture Clash, Mr. O'Connor tried to focus on the store as a destination for customers to not only buy music, but to support CDs and tapes. He was always trying to promote local businesses and bands, she said.
"He was a friend to everyone and if anyone needed help he was there no matter who they were," she said. "He would do anything for anyone."
While Mr. O'Connor was considered a passionate businessman, he received a nuisance order from the City of Toledo's Department of Neighborhoods in January ordering him to remove more than 400 vinyl records from the building's iconic roof where they were both decor and an advertisement for the shop. He complied.
Mr. O'Connor was born Jan. 24, 1955, to Arthur John O'Connor and Margaret Ann Belak. He and his wife married Oct. 25, 1986, and recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
His wife recalled that when Mr. O'Connor was down on one knee she also agreed to marry Raoul, his German shepherd-Lab mix, who was always at the record store interacting with customers.
Mrs. O'Connor said she plans to keep Culture Clash Records open.
In addition to his wife, Marcia, surviving are his brothers, Michael and John Arthur O'Connor, and sister, Margaret Mary O'Connor.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
This is a news story by Blade staff writer Geoff Burns. Contact him at: [email protected] or 419-724-6110.
Memories and Condolences
for Pat O'Connor
38 Entries
Gary Baldwin
January 22, 2017
Marcia, Gary Baldwin here. Just learned of Pat's passing while reading the Toledo City Paper this morning. Screamed out "No effing way". I've known Pat for some time at Cultue Clash. My deepest condolences. He will truly be missed. I'm 65 and music is my passion. Pretty knowledgeable. I read that you intend to keep the doors open at Culture Clash. If I can be of assistance in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me at 517-605-4707. BTW, I'm also an attorney.
Marion smith
January 14, 2017
Deepest sympathy
Jay Wagoner
January 6, 2017
Marcia:
I can't being to tell you how my heart sank when I heard of Pats passing. I will always cherish the time I was blessed to spend with you two and am so glad I got to know both him and you as friends and fellow travelers on this road. I will always remember is smile, laugh, positive attitude. Pad had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room and, not matter who you were, would drop everything to make you feel so. Please know that I am sending you hugs and prayers my sister.
Jay Wagoner, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Diana Williams
January 3, 2017
Marcia- So very sorry to hear of your loss. If you ever want to meet for coffee, I am here for you. I met you when you worked for Consumer Credit Counseling. Thoughts and prayers are lifted for you at this time.
Jodi Gajdostik
January 3, 2017
Just had a great visit with Pat a few weeks before Christmas! We picked out albums for my daughters. Enjoyed listening to each one as we decided on Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, and some classic Christmas albums by The Beach Boys and Johnny Mathis. I would always narrow down the selection he laid on the counter and then ask him to choose the best. He always made the right choice! We had a great conversation about growing up with record players and passing down the love of music to children. God Bless you and your family.
Bob Callahan
January 3, 2017
Pat was a great partner with us as well as a great guy. I will miss our biz talks. Rest easy my friend. Job well done.
constantine chrysochoos
January 2, 2017
You did not know my name but you were always polite, good natured and would always comment on the vinyl I purchased at your store. You turned my 20 year old daughter into vinyl lover also. I hope the store stays open but if not you have left a lasting legacy in our fair city. Thank you and you will be missed!!!
Jon Lemerand
December 31, 2016
With sad irony I send my condolences; as just a few weeks ago I posted a vintage photo, on FB, of my band performing for the grand opening of the Heatherdowns location of Boogie Records back in the mid 70s...RIP Mr.
O'Connor
Stu Jackson
December 31, 2016
Pat,
Thank you for the decades of smiles, laughs, and grooves.
Crank it up in heaven my friend.
Steven Rife
December 31, 2016
Sad to think I was at Culture Clash less than 3 weeks ago spent some time talking to Pat.
Never thought it would be the last time I would ever get to see him ..,,
Tried to make a point of keeping in touch a few times a year.
I've known him since 1973 when Boogie first opened.
His presence will forever be missed he was a great person !!
Steve Rife
Larry Smith
December 30, 2016
Pat O'Connor was probably one of the best known people in Toledo because of his involvement in Boogie Records and later on Culture Clash Records both in Toledo, Ohio.
He always supported local band talent. I was a member of a band from the Toledo area in the 1966 and we cut a 45-RPM after winning a Battle of The Bands using two of our original songs co-written by myself and my brother Terry.
Pat told me once that he had always been a fan of The Mods and he told me that he always thought that The Mods never got the recognition in Toledo that we deserved. That kind of floored me and I thanked him.
Our 45-RPM was picked up by CRYPT RECORDS and one song was reissued BACK FROM THE GRAVE Vol. 3 LP in 1982, the same song was reissued on CD a few years later by Crypt Records. In 1996 CRYPT RECORDS reissued the flip side of our 45-RPM on Teenage Shutdown Vol. 10 on LP and CD and thanks to those reissues by Crypt Records our music has been heard all around the world. Not bad for a small band from Toledo, Ohio. Mint copies of our original 45-RPM sell on Ebay from time to time and command over $550 a record, the same records that we used to sell at gigs for $1 in 1966.
I said earlier that Pat was a big fan of The Mods music from 1966. In 2014 Pat surprised me by phoning me at my home in Tennessee (I have since moved back to the Toledo area) and asked he asked me if I would allow him to reissue both sides of The Mods 1966 45-RPM from PECK RECORDS in Toledo. How could I say no to Pat, so of course I told Pat sure and on April 19, 2014 Pat released on Culture Clash Records for Record Store Day 2014, two songs from The Mods, two songs from The Human Darts, and two songs from The Best, all bands from Toledo, Ohio. The LP was titled "Garage Rock from Toledo, Ohio. He didn't make any money off of this LP release, he just wanted people to hear original music from bands from Toledo, Ohio his adopted hometown.
The Mods music has now been heard and played all around the world and part of that credit goes to Pat O'Connor. I will miss you Pat, you were the greatest and you always had that million dollar smile for everyone when they would walk into your record store. Pat was definitely one of a kind and he will be missed immensely here in Toledo.
I am praying for Pat's wife of 30 years Marcia and the rest of his family during this trying time.
R.I.P. Pat I will always remember you!
Richard Kelley
December 30, 2016
Four decades ago I saw Pat every day for a couple years straight. In the years since we saw each other only sporadically. He never changed though. He was always happy, overwhelmingly positive and ready to give you a good deal on music (which I liked to believe was for old time's sake but in reality I knew Pat gave everybody a good deal). About five years ago I dropped by after not having seen Pat in well over a decade. A tad awkward at first but we ended up spending a couple hours sharing recollections (Pat forgot nothing and no one) and together being glad the statute of limitations had run out on some of our youthful adventures. I met his wife who told me he'd been excited after I called the day before. This was flattering as I knew that Pat interacted with hundreds of people every month of every year and they were all his friends. It was stunningly sad to hear of his passing this past Wednesday but today I'd like to think he's at some kind Little Feat concert in the sky, again passing the bota (no harm now) and exclaiming, "Lowell! You devil you!" RIP Boogie bro.
Scott Fish
December 30, 2016
Pat, your unwavering support for the local music scene was always appreciated. You will be greatly missed and gave more than you took from the Toledo area. Sad you had to go so soon. I'm sure God's musical taste will be expanded by having you at his side.
Marvin Gottschalk
December 30, 2016
Hey Pat! I was looking forward to seeing you when I come to Toledo in a few weeks. Now that's not going to happen. I was crying on the inside when I learned of your sudden passing. I send all of my condolences to you, your family and friends including myself. Thank you Pat for all the records I brought from you the past 7 years and I am very privileged to have known you. I will miss you very much. You take it easy in heaven and Rest In Peace Pat.
Hazel Miller
December 30, 2016
Left us all too soon
K Smith
December 30, 2016
I've been going to Culture Clash for nearly a decade. Pat was always the nicest guy and so knowledgeable and passionate about music. I also loved that he brought his dog to work. So sorry for your loss.
Penny.
December 30, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss , I've know Pat since Boogie records great great soul
Pam Alexander (Jackson)
December 30, 2016
My sincere condolences to Pat's family and especially his wife Marcia. My heart is breaking for all of you. Pat was one of a kind! He was one of the most generous people I have ever met in my entire life. He was always quick with a smile and the ability to make you feel special. I spent many hours at Boogie Records (near Kenwood Pharmacy-Eastgate Road and Heatherdowns) during my high school years and then enjoyed Culture Clash after that. Pat will be greatly missed by anyone who knew him. Praying for peace and comfort for his wife, family and for all of us within the community who are going to miss him like crazy. Thank you Pat for all the years of musical enjoyment, and most of all, your friendship.
John Auditore
December 29, 2016
I'd like to extend my condolences to Marcia and other family members at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with Patrick and his family and friends
Library Monkey
December 29, 2016
I spent a lot of disposable income at Boogie Records (mainly on records, but some magazines and other sundries), in doign so I found a soul.
I remembered there seemed to be some deal to buying 10 records at a time and Mr. O'Conner saying: "hmmm eclectic.." When I looked up, he added "and I mean that in a good way"
And one of the things that was the most valuable, he was the personal pandora.. in that he would know your tastes and suggest another artist you would probably like.
..and he was most always right.
Just a year ago, I stopped into Culture Crash, visiting Toledo... 20 years since I had last seen him... and being remembered.
Needless to day, I will remember Pat O'Connor
Nita & Charlie Koehn
December 29, 2016
Marcia so sorry for your loss. May Pat Rest In Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Zerner
December 29, 2016
To Marcia and the O'Connor family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Pat. He was a wonderful man, a leader and pioneer for music in Toledo and a friend to all. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Rest in peace Pat.
Respectfully,
Mike Zerner
Paula and Rick Basch
December 29, 2016
We were there when those 3 crazy 19 year olds were building an indie record store (not sure the term was applicable back then). We were there a couple weeks ago when Pat did me a favor and transferred a 1970 Holly Near vinyl into a cd. He refused cash payment, so the best I could do was bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies (no walnuts at Pat's request). I can't fathom this Toledo icon not being in our midst! All our love to Marcia. R.I.P.
Michael Rys
December 29, 2016
Pat was one of the first people to welcome me to Toledo when I moved my family here 10 years ago.I will always remember his encouragement whenever I would bounce ideas off him or tell him about a new musical project.I would often stop in Culture Clash just to put up fliers and end up staying for an hour or so just talking with him.His kindness,positive attitude and knowledge will be sorely missed by me,the Toledo music scene and the local community.Peace to all of Pat's family and friends
Terry Shaffer
December 29, 2016
I've known Pat since the old Boogie Records days on Central Ave. He was a great guy back then, and continued always being a great guy. And boy did he know his music! Even back as a teenager, Pat knew his music. He would always have a great recommendation for new bands for me to check out...and he was always right on the mark.
Just last year I released a book on the Toledo music scene, and went to see Pat to see if he would carry the book in the store. Instead of the usual make a profit at every chance business model, Pat simply said, "Sure, bring them in and we can sell them. I don't need any share of the money, I like to support local talent here". I remember leaving the store thinking to myself "either Pat is a really bad businessman, or real asset to the community". That was perfectly Pat.
His untimely passing has left a large void in Toledo and will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences.
December 29, 2016
I remember sitting in the original Boogie Records with Pat, listening to music and reading underground comics. He was such a great guy and never changed. His passing is a great loss for all of us. My sincerest condolences to his family. Rest inn peace Pat.
Kenn Sturms
December 29, 2016
What a great guy. He loved his music, he knew his music, and he made the music world a better place. I will surely miss you and your bright smile whenever I entered Culture Clash Records. Rock On Pat!
Robin Schaub
December 29, 2016
Thoughts and prayers with Pat's family. RIP.
diane leveque
December 29, 2016
You've always been so upbeat and friendly to those who have met you. I remember my first encounter at Boogies was not just your kind smile, but your awesome dog krypto. Boy if that doesnt say how long I've known you!! May your legacy continue and you rest in peace!
Elana Campbell
December 29, 2016
I worked at Barry Bagels from 1996-2000. Pat and the rest of the Boogie crew came in regularly. I also remember going into Boogie as a kid. I don't remember Pat from when I was little, but I remember the store, and the dogs. As a little dog lover, I'd go in with my parents and siblings and just cuddle with the golden retrievers. Pat was a super nice guy. It was always a pleasure interacting with him. He made you feel special and important to him. This is a huge loss, and I'll miss him everyday.
Wendy Poskarbiewicz
December 29, 2016
Such a great man. He had a wonderful, infectious smile. Always an absolute joy to talk to. Rest in peace, Pat. I will miss you.
Mark Edwards
December 29, 2016
To many laughs and memories of our youthful days at St. Augustine.. we were on the basketball team together, and a very close bunch of boys.
Full of life and mischief.
Rest easy my friend, till we meet again....
Love and prayers to family and friends.
Bob Sadler
December 29, 2016
Pat, you obviously impacted a tremendous amount of lives, and while you left us way too soon, part of God's plan for each of us is to impact others in a positive way. You certainly did your part. May you find peace as you now are with our Lord.
Tom Brown
December 29, 2016
Rest in peace pat.
Mary McClain
December 29, 2016
No words can express the void we are all feeling.
Mary DeGrazia -McClain
December 29, 2016
Pat, we chatted online just a few weeks ago...never about anything important. .just checking in to say that something happened that reminded me of you or vice versa. I will still be reminded of you all the time,but now I'll be texting up to heaven (calling that big music store in the sky) You'll be the one up there looking out for the souls who don't quite fit and who might need a friend to make them feel special today.
I have so many crazy memories of our high school days. You were my true friend and I loved you. So many others say the same ..that you were also their best bud. It's amazing how many people you touched and made their lives a little happier. I'm honored and priveledged that you chose to be my friend way back when and that later you still remembered to touch base reminding us that we were young once. Now, there is a hole in my universe that will be filled with music and tears of joy and memories.
John rockwood
December 29, 2016
Rest in peace my friend.
December 29, 2016
Bless you for sharing your love of music with toledo.
You will be sorely missed by many.
Rest in peace
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