Edward Matthew O’Connor

EDWARD MATTHEW O’CONNOR, aged 79 years, beloved husband for 52 years to the late Rita B. (nee Koch), loving father of Kimberly Tucker (deceased) (husband Darian – wife Cyndi), cherished grandfather of Joseph, David and Sarah Tucker, brother of John (Cynthia) and the late Collette O’Connor, fond uncle and great-uncle.

Edward was born and raised in Sharon, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Brookfield High School and received his degree from John Carroll University. He was a devoted parishioner of the St. Louis church but later, found his spiritual home at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Edward was an active member of the plumber’s union, Local #55, where he sat on the board of directors. He began his career in plumbing as an apprentice in 1959 and enjoyed his forty-seven-year career. Ed was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed contributing to the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master and took pleasure in camping, hiking, fishing, and deer hunting.

Ed could be a hard and stubborn man, but for those who knew him, he was loyal to a fault, a great protector, and would be the first to step up to help anyone in need. He was always there to offer his words of wisdom and to help whenever asked. Ed was a family man, through and through. He understood the importance of taking care of his family. He was a wonderful Grandpa to Sarah, David, and Joey. He loved all of his nieces and nephews and they jokingly referred to him as Cousin Eddie.

He genuinely loved being with family and coming together during the holidays. Christmas was his favorite holiday where he celebrated a beloved family tradition— Christmas Eve Velija. His heart was broken with the loss of his daughter, Kimberly, and again with the loss of Rita, but his faith pulled him through.

He will be remembered and loved by everyone who knew him.

Member of Plumbers Union Local #55.

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to The American Cancer Society.

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish at 11 AM. Burial Thursday, June 3, at Holy Cross Cemetery (Akron) at 1:30 PM. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Ed at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) TUESDAY 4- 8 PM.