Terrence Dennis O'Connor, Sr.

November 13, 2017

Charlotte - Terrence Dennis “Terry” O’Connor Sr. age 71, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Union County Hospice in Monroe, NC. He was born May 23, 1946 in Renovo, PA and was a son of the late Terrence Patrick O’Connor and Mary Bissman O’Connor, both of Renovo and then Hyner, PA.

He was a beloved son, husband, father and grandfather. Terry and his wife of 48 years and high school sweetheart, Linda Lee O’Connor (Snyder), moved to Charlotte in 2015, where Linda still lives today.

Terry went to St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Renovo, PA and then graduated from Lock Haven University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He went on to teach for 33 years at Millersburg High School in Millersburg, PA and in the Wattsburg School District at both, Wattsburg Middle School and Seneca High School. Terry was also a coach for boys’ and girls’ basketball and softball as well as served as the athletic director for several years at the schools where he taught. He taught drivers education at Seneca High School and Fredonia High School in NY for several years during the summers.

He was always giving back to the community. As a young man he was a life guard, forest firefighter, and later in life he served on the Harbor Creek High School Board for 12 years and was also active in politics throughout his life. He coached several little league baseball teams and was active with his children’s athletic endeavors as their #1 fan including many baseball, football, wrestling and cheerleading competitions. He continued the tradition with cheering on his grandchildren in the sports they participated in and taught them to be tough competitors. After moving back to his hometown from Erie, PA in 2002, he served on the Renovo Library Board where as President he helped lead the effort to upgrade the Renovo area library.

Terry was a very generous man and received great joy from handing out money to his grandchildren and any other young children who came across his path for he wanted everyone to be able to get themselves “something special” he would always say.  He loved to go to the movies, the book store and collected memorabilia regarding Renovo, PA, the Pennsylvania railroad, local Indian lore, and coins and stamps. He often spoke at clubs to teach others about the history of the Renovo, PA area.

Terry is survived by his wife, Linda and their three children, Terrence O’Connor Jr. and his wife Michelle Nageli O’Connor and Kristy Kleto and her husband, Tommy Kleto all of Charlotte, NC and Michael O’Connor of Olean, NY; seven grandchildren, Baylee, Kayla, and Carly O’Connor of Olean, NY, Trey and Mya O’Connor and Taylor and Alexander “Xan” Rankin of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by many special cousins, nieces and nephews, and one surviving aunt, Lois O’Connor of South Renovo that he kept dear to his heart.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, November 16, 2017, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service.

A mass of the resurrection will be held for Mr. O’Connor on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 10:00 AM at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, or to National Kidney Foundation.

May his memory be eternal

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Services, 1321 Berkeley Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Jill Dombrowski

    I had Mr. O’Connor for drivers ed, so fun to spend the day with him, we went to McDonalds when we were done, I’ll never forget how kind and patient he was. I’ve never been in an accident either!

  • Jill Dombrowski

    I had Mr. O’Connor for drivers ed, so fun to spend the day with him, we went to McDonalds when we were done, I’ll never forget how kind and patient he was. I’ve never been in an accident either!

  • Dr. Efthimios & Evangelia Koveos Family

    Our deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved family member Terrance. Our hearts go out to the families. May he Rest in Peace!!!

  • Glenn Harner

    RIP coach n thank you for your time in coaching n teaching us the game of basketball n not to give up.

  • Roberta Doyle

    I met Terry through his work on behalf of the Renovo Library when l was on the Board of the Ross Library. I would like to extend my sympathy to his family.

  • Roberta Doyle

    I met Terry through his involvement with the Renovo Library when l was on the Ross Library Board. I would like to extend my sympathy to the family.

  • Lynette Ristau

    Omg I was just thinking about coach the other day. He was my mentor playing basketball. I often thought about him. Prayers to all and May he be at piece.

  • Carol Beckes

    Dear Linda and family, I just remember talking to you and Terry at one of our get togethers and him telling me he was a Driver's Ed teacher. I told him he was a Saint. I took my own kids in our car and I was a wreck. I am so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. He was always such a really nice guy. Please know that you are in mine and George's prayers. God Bless you. Love and Prayers, , Carol and George Beckes

  • Mr. Thomas Mazzulla, Wife Wanda and son Robert

    Thank You Terry and Linda for being good friends over the years and a classmate from St. Joseph’s High in Renovo. I’ll always remember the good times and will think of you often as I near the end of my life. We will miss you buddy.

  • Becky Jo Hoffman-Clements

    I loved Mr.O'Connor as a a Social Studies teacher at Millersburg Area High School from 1976-1979. I had him for my World Culture courses. Of ALL my classes I remember them most. Unfortunately, because if a seizure disorder I NEVER had the pleasure of taking his driver's e'd classes, even though I wanted to so badly. He was a good and fair teacher and will be missed by many. God Bless and prayers for all.

Load More