Christopher D. O'Connor

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Christopher (Chris) Daniel O'Connor, 55, of Worcester, MA. He died on May 12, 2024, of sudden heart failure after enjoying a special Mothers' Day with his beloved family. Chris (Oke to his close friends) was a charismatic, creative, extraordinarily funny, and adventurous soul. With his infectious personality and quick intelligent wit, he easily made friends wherever he went.

Chris was a deeply devoted family man who had a profound love for his three sons Jason O'Connor, Sean O'Connor, and Matthew O'Connor and his beloved wife Shari (Cohen) O'Connor. For him, a long drive with his devoted wife Shari and a stop at a New England hidden gem restaurant to enjoy a meal with her was the perfect day. Passionately in love, they spent much of their time together seeking new adventures.

He was an outstanding craftsman, rebuilding every wall of his family's home and spending years dedicated to woodworking, sculpting, and metalworking. If there was any physical work he needed done or wanted to do, he'd research, learn, and find a way. From his early teens he understood the importance of work ethic, always working as hard as he could. After graduating high school, he entered a trade school program to go further in the field of auto body. He eventually exited the car repair industry to work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the Mass Pike, working many hours including nights and weekends to support his family. After a work-related injury, he retired early and explored his passion for photography. For the past few years, he was happily employed at Lilac Hedge Farm, where he made many great friendships.

He was deeply connected to nature, always finding opportunities to take hikes or glide down rivers with his kayak. He was also a natural animal whisperer and was always excited to meet new animal friends. While working on the Mass Pike, he rescued an abandoned kitten who became a treasured family member for nearly 15 years. Christopher rescued his current best friend, his dog Dino (Hot Fudge on weekends) two years ago, and they became inseparable ever since.

Christopher was an artist in every fiber of his soul. Painting pictures, creating wooden furniture, and sculpting were some of his favorite pastimes, but where he really excelled was in photography and theater. For the last two decades, Christopher was an actor of amazing talents. He began his acting career with the Barre Players in Never Too Late and went on to act in theater companies across Massachusetts in dozens of plays. Among the many plays too numerous to mention were Inspecting Carol, it's a Wonderful Life, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and Trailerville, in which he originated a role in the play's premiere. His finest role, and the one of which he was most deservingly proud, was his portrayal of King Henry II in The Lion and Winter. All who saw his rendition knew it could not be portrayed finer.

Christopher's enjoyment of photography was evident in every photo he took. Nature and people were some of his favorite subjects. However, his dog Dino surpassed them all and was captured in the most beautiful ways. His cameras were always on hand for his many adventures including his cross-country trip to visit two of his oldest friends. As his appreciation for photography grew into a lifestyle, he was able to capture beauty everywhere he went. As he learned his craft he began to specialize in portraits, and for the last few years he was the resident photographer at WCLOC Theater. Christopher's rare talent will be greatly missed.

Christopher lived and breathed music, with a special fondness for rock and roll. Among his top bands were Kiss, Bad Company, and Dave Matthews, but most importantly Led Zeppelin. He always listened to music and watched live performances, and truly enjoyed sharing his passion for music with his friends and family. As a self-taught guitarist, he learned many songs which he happily played for his family. He instilled this same love of music in his three sons of whom he was so very proud.

Along with his wife and sons, he leaves behind his sister, Kathleen E. O'Connor and husband Thomas M. Ritacco of Worcester; his brother, Mark S. O'Connor and wife Kathleen B. O'Connor of Rutland; his nieces, Colleen O'Connor-Dzik and husband Scott Dzik of Holden, Maria K. Zlody and husband Ryan Schain of Boston, Sarah E. Zlody of Worcester, grand-nephew Kellan S. Dzik of Holden, and grand-niece Juliet Schain of Boston. His extended family included brothers-in-law Dean Cohen and his wife Donna of Warwick, RI, Michael Cohen and his wife Carol of Southbridge, and sister-in-law Linda Larrivee of Worcester along with nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his faithful and constant companion, his dog Dino. He greatly missed his favorite cat, Willy. Chris was predeceased by his father Charles E. O'Connor II, his mother, Millicent A. O'Connor (Shean), his brother, Charles E. O'Connor III, infant brother, Steven M. O'Connor, his mother-in-law, Beatrice Cohen, and brother-in-law, Alan Larrivee.

Calling hours will be held May 23, 2024 from 9 AM to 11 AM, with services to follow.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit his Tribute Wall on this page.