Donald J. O’Connor 1931-2025

In 1938, his family opened a vacuum cleaner business in the basement of their home on Lowell Avenue on the South Side. Three years later, the family moved O’Connor Sales and Service to 3224 Market St., where it operated for 84 years.

Donald had been in the vacuum cleaner business since age 16, where he did whatever jobs his father needed him to do.

Donald served in the Army Signal Corps during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Japan. He was honorably discharged in August 1954 and returned to Youngstown to continue his career in the sweeper business.

In the mid-1970s, his father, mother and brother died, and he became the sole owner of O’Connor Sales and Service, where he worked for 77 years.

He was a collector of new and old vacuum cleaners. Numerous models lined the walls of his store, including hand-pumped and friction-powered devices that were built as far back as 1910.

He also was a car enthusiast and was the proud owner of four 1964 Oldsmobiles. He was a charter member of the Oldsmobile Club of America and an active member of the Youngstown Oldsmobile Club, where he participated in local and national car competitions. His collection received multiple awards for Best in Show and Best Restoration.

He was a member of the Market Street Business Owners Association and a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church.

The store closed in 2024 when Don moved into the Austinwoods long-term care facility, where Don remained until his death.

Don’s passing was preceded by his father, mother, brother and his longtime companion, Luana Marie Jarvis.

He leaves behind his family, including Robert and Lonnie Jarvis Lohfeld, Bob and Kristin Lohfeld, Amy and Steve Secrist, and five great-grandchildren, all of whom live in Virginia. He also leaves behind his business manager of 47 years, Ron Brownlie.

He will remain in our hearts forever.

Private funeral services were held 10 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Fox Funeral Home.

Don was buried in Calvary Cemetery with his family, with military honors.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends of Donald may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to give condolences to the family.

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