Paul J. O'Connor

Paul O'Connor ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Russell & Pica Funeral Home of the Bridgewater's on Mar. 9, 2026.Paul Joseph (Oakie/Brother/Bumpa) O'Connor, 91, of Brockton and Bridgewater,Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026.Born on January 25, 1935 in Brockton, MA, Paul was a proud lifelong resident of the communities he loved andhelped shape.Paul was a graduate of Brockton High School, Class of '53 and a US Army Korean WarVeteran, serving his country with honor. After his military service, he built a hardworkinglife and career employed by New England Telephone Company setting telephone polesthroughout the Brockton area; work that quite literally helped connect and build thecommunity he loved so deeply.Paul was known for his strong faith, unwavering work ethic, generosity, and deep pridein his family and heritage. A true philanthropist at heart, he was deeply involved insupporting and fostering the communities of Brockton and Bridgewater that meant somuch to him, leaving lasting impressions on the communities we know today. Thosewho knew Paul remember him as a man who valued loyalty, family, and service aboveall else.Paul's world revolved around his beloved wife of 68 years, Terese O'Connor, and hischildren: Terrianne and Steve Warley, Colleen and Brian Crook, and Sean and EllenO'Connor.Paul's Irish eyes sparkled the brightest when it came to his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. His legacy will live on through Brian Crook Jr., Meaghan and AlexMonteiro, Michaela Crook, Bridget O'Connor, Patrick and Theodora O'Connor, AmandaWarley, Annamarie and Tyler Marinelli, and Michael Warley. He was a cherished great-grandfather to Vivienne Warley, Sadie & Lennox Monteiro, and Eyla & Eliana Marinelli.In addition to his wife, he is survived by his twin sister, Patricia McGillis, and his brother-in-law Eugene LaCriox, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews of the O'Connor,McGillis, Waldron, and LaCriox families.Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Bridget O'Connor, his siblingsWilliam O'Connor, Herbert O'Connor, and Mary Waldron. His in-laws Leo & Eva Proulx,his sister-in-law, Marianne LaCroix, two nephews John Waldron and Jay McGillis andhis great nephew Jimmy Taxiera.A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for the repose of his soul on Friday, March 13th at 11:00AM in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 103 Center St., Bridgewater. Interment will follow at another date and time at the VA National Cemetery in Bourne. Calling hours in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 441 South Main St., (Rt28) WEST BRIDGEWATER on Thursday, March 12th from 4:00PM-7:00PM.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul's honor to organizationsthat reflect the values he held dear, including the Tournament of Friendship Golf Classic,sponsoring Boston Children's Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, Shriners Hospitals forChildren, or the Knights of Columbus.When trying to capture Oakie in one word, pride is what resonates most. Paul will beremembered for his pride in his family, faith, heritage, community, and country.They don't make them like him anymore.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.