Obituary of Donald J. O'Connor, Jr.

October 19, 1952 - June 11, 2024

Donald J. O’Connor, Jr.  Age 71 of Brownstown.

Beloved husband of Janet. Loving father of Courtney (Mohamed) Askar, Ryan (Bobbie) O’Connor, Kevin O’Connor (Christina Queen) and Sean (Summer) O’Connor.  Dearest grandfather of Gabrielle, Shandrilayne, Samara, Zayn and Millie.  Also survived by his brothers of the heart, Walter (Sally) Marek, Robert (Sally) Hall and Edwin (Susan) Pawlowski.

Family Tribute ~

A graduate of Southgate High School class of 1970 he went on to RETS electronic school of Detroit and in 1973 was hired by General Motors. There he entered into a skilled trades apprenticeship and became a graduate of Henry Ford Community College as an electrician and machine repairman. He spent over half of his 36 years at GM as a Skilled Trades Supervisor. His leadership in the skilled trades influenced his leadership at home and in the community.

Don’s passion for life and source of pride and motivation to “keep on keeping on” was his four children; the life line to his heart and soul. He became a loving father, teacher, carpenter, plumber, groundskeeper, auto mechanic, all home machinery repairman, baseball coach, hockey coach, skate sharpener, all sport equipment supply and repair go-to guy, sporting event chauffeur and world traveler. A baseball player and hockey player in his youth, eventually coaching and mentoring not only his own sons but also many others in the community, building a huge extended family!

Speaking of extended families, as an active member of the Wyandotte Royal Lancers drum & bugle corps (‘65 - ’71) he met and married his wife of 51 years. He was an accomplished baritone player and could play any brass instrument you put in his hands. His passion for the drum and bugle corps activity and love for his Lancer family had no bounds. It was a delight and joy for him to share time with his Lancer family. In his last days, he listened to corps almost every day on YouTube. Even when he could barely open his eyes, he could hear a corps and tell you which one was playing and what year that show was from. His favorites were 27th Lancers (Danny Boy) and his beloved Garfield Cadets.

Don was an avid fisherman. His Lund was almost his best friend as they spent much time together. It was a source of enjoyment, connecting to his inner self and finding peace while floating on the water. The catch was fun but not necessary. Those walleye fish fries were the best!! If the weather didn’t cooperate, he often spent his fishing time making lures instead.

Without his family even knowing, he was teaching and preparing us for his parting. A much loved husband, father and grandfather. With both grief and gratitude for our beloved Don, we carry the blessings of our shared life, and in grief we say not ‘he is no more’ but dwell in thankfulness that he was…..

Last scripture read in devotions morning of June 11, 2024, John 14

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Don’s room was ready and so he went……..