Obituary of Laurence J. O'Connor, Jr.

Laurence J. O’Connor, Jr., 69, “Larry” of Springfield, MA passed away on Friday, June 11, 2021, at Baystate Medical Center after a brief illness.

Larry was born in Hartford, Connecticut on April 25, 1952, the son of the late Laurence J. and Lillian (Conway) O’Connor. He is survived by his brother Raymond O’Connor and his companion Carolyn Laurel of Watertown, CT, his sister Kathleen O’Connor of Andover, his niece and goddaughter Kristin O’Connor of East Hartland, niece Elizabeth O’Connor Tickey and her husband Kevin of North Granby, and niece Emma Yanicky of Andover; his nephews Daniel O’Connor and his wife Mary of Coventry, Connor Yanicky of Vernon and Cameron Yanicky of Andover; his great nieces and nephews Serra and Laura Tickey and Jimmy and Dylan O’Connor, and cousin Pearl McConnell of Winchendon MA.  He was predeceased by his sister Therese O’Connor and cousin Donna Rae McConnell-Bennett.

Larry was a graduate of Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford, CT Class of 1970. He was on the 50^th Reunion Planning Committee planning the 6.11.2022 reunion. Larry graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Hartford in 1985.  He began his career as a teacher in the math department of Tolland High School in Tolland, CT where he also coached football and the boys track team. After leaving Tolland High School he continued his teaching career at Southwick Regional High School in Southwick, MA. In addition to teaching, “Mr. O’C” coached the girls track team and advised the Math Team. He retired in 2011 as the Mathematics Department Chairperson.  

During his life Larry enjoyed hiking throughout Connecticut and the Berkshires with family and his many canine companions, especially Junior and Sunshine, and spent many summers in Cape Cod and enjoyed traveling to Ireland. Larry was loved by everyone who knew him and will be remembered for his intelligence, booming voice, larger than life presence, kind spirit, dry wit and impeccable sense of comedic timing. He will be sorely missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Larry’s name to the Northwest Catholic Fund, Northwest Catholic High School, Attn: Advancement Office, 29 Wampanoag Dr., West Hartford, CT 06117 or any animal rescue of your choice in Larry’s memory.

Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT on Tuesday, June 29^th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.  

 A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.