Edmund P. O'Connor

Beloved Husband, Father, and Uncle

Edmund P. “Okie” O’Connor, 94, of Lowell, Massachusetts and York, Maine, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, with his family by his side. For over sixty years he was the beloved husband of Martha A. (Regan) O’Connor, who survives him. They called each other “Red.”

The son of Irish immigrants, Edmund was born in Lowell on May 7, 1931, to John J. and Christine D. (Toolan) O’Connor. 

Edmund attended St. Patrick’s Boys School where he was awarded the Brother John Medal, and played on their State Championship CYO baseball team. After graduating from Lowell High School, he immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years of active duty during the Korean Conflict as a member of the 48th Fighter Squadron.

For 32 years Edmund was a proud member of the City of Lowell Fire Department and served many of those years as a Deputy Chief in the Department.

In addition to his home in Lowell, Edmund also resided in York, ME for nearly 60 years. His time in Maine, with its cold waters, dark skies, and extended family, was joyous. 

Of his many trips, favorites included: Yankee Stadium to watch the New York Giants; the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio; his parents’ homes in Counties Limerick and Sligo; major Civil War battlefields; and President Kennedy’s grave soon after the assassination. 

He loved big band music; baking bread, a 1964 Volkswagen convertible; the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. A trained speed reader, he enjoyed mysteries, espionage, and a variety of nonfiction; but Willa Cather’s My Antonia, read several times, was his favorite. Over the years, Edmund raised a long line of terriers – Kerry Blues, Airedales, and most recently, an Irish Terrier named Jack, who was with him in his final days. 

Besides his wife, Martha, Edmund is survived by a daughter, Christine O’Connor of Lowell, and many nieces and nephews. Edmund also has a large, extended family in Ireland, including a surviving first cousin, Teresa Toolan of Sligo, Ireland. He was the brother of the late Eileen Archibald, John C. O’Connor, Sheila Early, Gerald F. O’Connor, James R. O’Connor, Edna C. Stirk, and Mary T. Heidenrich.

Many thanks to D’Youville Life and Wellness for the outstanding care over the past few months.

In addition to burial services with U.S. Military Honors which were held for his family, relatives and friends are invited to his memorial mass to be held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at St. Christopher’s Church in York, Maine, at 11 o’clock. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing, may make contributions in his memory to the Monastery of the Precious Blood, 700 Bridge St., Manchester, NH 03104. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA – (978) 458-8768.

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