Bernard “Bud” O’Connor was born on Aug. 22, 1942, in Torrington, Conn., the first son of Bernard Anthony O’Connor and Agnes Wysocki O’Connor. He grew up on military bases in Virginia, New Mexico, and California.
On May 27, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Erwin O’Connor in Santa Ana, Calif., and they celebrated 62 years of marriage in 2023. They had three children, Christopher (Lynn) O’Connor, Montrose Colo.; Timothy (Kelly) O’Connor, Senoia, Ga.; and Cindy (Curt) Wilson, La Jara, Colo.
Bud worked in manufacturing precision optics for his entire working life except for a two-year adventure to drive an 18-wheeler around the country.
Bud had many interests over the years including football, basketball, drag racing, motorcycle racing, NASCAR, and Drum & Bugle Corps. He enjoyed all high school sports, and was proud of his Alma Mater, Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif., for producing three Heisman Trophy winners.
Bud was very proud of his children, his eight grandchildren, Nikki (Alex) Rieffel, Senoia, Ga., Ryan (Kaylee) O’Connor, Ga.; Chloe (Michael) Ford, Rogers, Ark.; Elliot O’Connor, Birmingham, Ala.; Madison O’Connor, Dallas, Texas; Taylor (Clay) McCarroll, La Jara, Colo.; Mitchell (Karisa) Wilson, La Jara, Colo.; and Melissa (Brenden) Crowther, Provo, Utah. And, of course, the great-grand kids, Noah and Callie Rieffel, Allie and Bristol McCarroll, Ava Ford, and the newest little guy Brooks Crowther. Besides his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his brother Bryan O’Connor, Fort Worth, Texas, and several nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Wayne O’Connor, and many aunts and uncles in the Wysocki clan who were so loving and supporting.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in the care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes, and words of comfort for Bud’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.
