Richard S. O’Connor passed away of Renal Failure on July 14, 2017. He was born in New York City to parents Winfield Scott O’Connor and Gladys Martin. He was raised primarily by his Grandmother, Sarah Martin. Richard was drafted into the Navy in 1944 during the second World War and was assigned to a minesweeper as a sonar man ,serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific.
Post-war, he traveled to Syracuse, New York where he married Jean Lorenz and raised their two daughters, Susan and Nancy. Sadly, their infant son, Patrick passed away of SIDS. After Jean succumbed to the effects of a stroke, he moved to the D.C area and became a Jeweler, which included designing pieces for his customers. There he met his second wife, Jo Snow. After they had vacationed to the West Coast and liked what they saw, they purchased the “J and D” jewelry store in Port Townsend They operated their business from 1985 until Jo’s passing in 2004.
In 2005 he began taking WaterColor Art Lessons from Pat Gordon. He exhibited his Art in Sequim and other local venues. He received a Merit award and several First and Second ribbons in the Jefferson County Fair. He very much enjoyed exhibiting Art and chatting with those interested in his painting.
Dick and Pat were united in a Commitment Ceremony on July 15, 2014 and lived in Sequim until his passing.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, brother William Hutton and his daughters, Susan Curtis and Nancy Wolfe, 4 Grandchildren, 6 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild. He was also close to his Step-Daughter, Julie Snow Marshall and her daughter Amanda of Port Hadlock.
Dick had an extremely outgoing personality, charming and inquisitive. Always ready to travel or try new adventures. He loved to read Mysteries and Historical Biographies and keep up on current events. He was a real people person, one whom will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial service will be held on July 29 at 11 a.m. at Sequim Community Church, 950 North 5th Ave, Sequim Wa.
Contributions may be made to; Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 East 8th St., Port Angeles, WA 98362.
