John J. O’Connor

John J. O’Connor, 93 of Frackville, passed away Sunday October 15, 2023 at Shenandoah Senior Living Community.

Born in Pottsville, John was the son for the late John F. and Helen(Dalton) O’Connor.

John attended Pottsville Catholic High School graduating in 1949. While in high school, he played both football and basketball. In football, he was a two-year starter at end. In basketball, in his senior year, he was a starting forward and was the team’s leading scorer. During the summer months, he played semi-pro baseball for the Pottsville Merchants and the Mt. Laffee team as a catcher.

After high school, John joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After being discharged, he started a career at Alcoa Aluminum in Cressona, a career that would last 40 years at the Cressona and Lebanon, PA plants. He was affiliated with the Aluminum Workers International Union which later became the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers Union.

John was a past president of the Allen-Rogowicz Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted as a hall of fame member in 2009. John also held the position of president of the Saint Clair Old Timers and was a member of both the Knights of Columbus, Frackville and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pottsville. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife the former Cecelia T. Olszewski, son Joseph S. O’Connor, and sister Rosemarie Schuettler.

Surviving are two sons, Attorney Michael J. O’Connor and his wife Patricia, Frackville, and John F. O’Connor, Frackville; two daughters, Carolyn and Marianne, both of Bryn Mawr; grandchildren, Mary Kathleen, James M. and John Patrick O’Connor; and two sisters, Helen Paulosky, Lansdale, and Peggy Conroy, Pottsville.

John was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Eagles and Villanova basketball.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday Oct. 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph the Worker RC Church 49 North Line Street Frackville, PA 17931. Msg. Rev. William Glosser and Rev. Giuseppe Espisito will be co- celebrants. Calling hours will be Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph the Worker Memorial Fund, 7 South Broad Mountain Ave, Frackville, PA 17931 or www.stjoesfrackville.com. Burial will be in St. Casimir Cemetery, Mahanoy City.

Nice Hart Funeral Home Inc., Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences can be sent to www.nicehartfuneralhome.com