Jerome P. O’Connor 1940-2023

He was born Jan. 29, 1940, in Youngstown, the son of James and Ottilia Nadolny O’Connor. After graduating from Rayen High School in 1959, he joined the United States Navy and served as an aviation electrician. He spent time aboard the USS Constellation during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Following his active military service, Jerry worked for several companies, including North American Aviation, US Steel and National Cash Register (NCR). In the early 1980s, Jerry and his family moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he worked for several companies, including GenRad, where he met his second wife and the love of his life, Diane. After retirement, Jerry and Diane moved to the town of Prescott Valley.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James and Thomas O’Connor; his sister, Marie DePascale; and his beloved wife, Diane.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Hughes (Robert); his sons, James (Sandy) and Michael O’Connor (Lily); his daughter, Christine Wilkof (Robbie); stepchildren, Chris (Kathy), Cindy and Timothy (Betsy) Ruoff; grandchildren, Jimmy and Elizabeth O’Connor, Sevrin and Reagan O’Connor, Lauren Draper, Orren Singh, Nick and Travis Ruoff, Danielle Lane and Elizabeth Rudick (Justin); great-grandchildren, Kamryn, Scarlett, Atticus, Vivien and Violet; along with many loving nieces and nephews.

In his earlier years, Jerry loved to sail with his Diane and was an amateur radio operator. He was a big fan of Western and military movies/documentaries, was a political enthusiast and member of the Catholic Church. He also loved his dog, Fletcher, who was his constant companion the past nine years. Jerry was a kind and loving father and grandfather, who will be missed greatly.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Arizona Pioneers’ Home Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Homes and Crematory. Please visit www.ruffnerwakelin.com to sign the online guestbook and share a memory with the family.

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