WESTFIELD – Matthew I. “Matt” O’Connor, Jr., 83, died at his home in Westfield on November 15, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. Matt was born on November 1, 1930 in Northampton, MA where he lived for much of his life.After attending college for one year, Matt enlisted in the Navy in 1949. After his discharge, Matt returned to college and earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. He spent his career, first at his family business M.I. O’Connor Construction, then as an engineer in the Greater Springfield area. After his retirement Matt and his wife Alice spent much of their time volunteering at the Cancer House of Hope and the Westfield Soup Kitchen. Matt enjoyed spending time with family and friends, telling stories, playing cards and singing Irish songs.
Matt is survived by his wife, Alice O’Connor of Westfield and his children; Susan Roit of Easthampton, Ellen Willette of Lewiston, ME and Tracy McLaughlin of Groton, MA. Matt is predeceased by his son, Peter O’Connor and spouse Judith O’Connor. Matt is also survived by his step-children; Ray and John Lavoie of Washington DC, Mark Lavoie of Southwick, MA, Bruce Lavoie of Longmeadow, MA and Lynn Stanley of Broad Brook, CT. Matt will be missed by his grandchildren; Ian, Wesley, Spencer and Taylor Lavoie; Peter and Callum McLaughlin; Joseph and Evan Stanley and Hannah and Emma Lavoie.
Matt is survived by his wife, Alice O’Connor of Westfield and his children; Susan Roit of Easthampton, Ellen Willette of Lewiston, ME and Tracy McLaughlin of Groton, MA. Matt is predeceased by his son, Peter O’Connor and spouse Judith O’Connor. Matt is also survived by his step-children; Ray and John Lavoie of Washington DC, Mark Lavoie of Southwick, MA, Bruce Lavoie of Longmeadow, MA and Lynn Stanley of Broad Brook, CT. Matt will be missed by his grandchildren; Ian, Wesley, Spencer and Taylor Lavoie; Peter and Callum McLaughlin; Joseph and Evan Stanley and Hannah and Emma Lavoie.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, November 21st from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service,76 Broad Street, Westfield at 10:00 a.m. followed at 11:00 a.m. by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish, 25 State Street, Westfield. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Northampton. Calling hours will precede the funeral on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Cancer House of Hope, 1999 Westfield Street, West Springfield MA 01089.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Cancer House of Hope, 1999 Westfield Street, West Springfield MA 01089.
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