Obituary of Robert L. O'Connor

Robert L. O’Connor Allegany, NY Robert L. O’Connor, 78, of 3317 W. Five Mile Rd., passed away peacefully Monday (August 5, 2024) at home, surrounded by family after an illness. Born April 25, 1946 in Olean, he was a son of Lawrence and Marian Covert O’Connor. On July 15, 1967 at St. Gabriel’s Church in Port Allegany, PA he married Linda E. Tyson who survives. Robert was a graduate of Port Allegany High School and of Mansfield University from which he received his bachelor’s degree. He obtained his master’s in education degree from St. Bonaventure University and soon began a career in education. He first taught fourth and sixth grades for fourteen years at Boardmanville and Ivers J. Norton elementary schools in Olean as well as coached football for the high school. He then became the principal at Franklinville Elementary school for 21 years until his retirement. Robert treasured his wife and family first and foremost. With them he enjoyed spending summers at the family cottage in Canada, their hunting camp in Friendship, and vacations at Daytona Beach, FL. He proudly showed his loyalty as a huge Buffalo Bills fan. Two years ago, a long-held dream of his was fulfilled when he became the owner of a corvette convertible, black to be exact. He leaves behind a beautiful family, including the love of his life of 57 years, Linda; 2 daughters Robin (James) Charles of Olean, and Jennifer (Brian) Sisson of Olean; 3 grandchildren, Connor Charles (Ryan) Baer, Collin (Anna) Charles, and Ryan (Annabelle) Sisson; 3 great grandchildren, Robert “Bobby” Baer, Rhett Baer, and Weston Charles; 1 sister Bonnie O’Connor McKillip of Port Allegany, PA, and several nieces and nephews. The family welcomes friends to a visitation on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A funeral service will be held Friday (August 9, 2024) at 1pm in the funeral home. Rev. Peter Bassey of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Gabriel Cemetery in Port Allegany. An ongoing scholarship in Robert’s name is being established for future Franklinville High School students pursuing a career in education. A contribution to this may be made payable to “Robert O’Connor Educational Memorial Scholarship”, C/O Olean Teachers and Postal Federal Credit Union, 1700 Constitution Ave., Olean, NY 14760.