Joseph O'Connor Sr.

Joseph O'Connor Sr., 79, of Jefferson City, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on June 22, 1935 in Hammond, Ind., son of the late James and Mary (Achs) O'Connor. He was united in marriage on October 19, 1957, in Riverdale Ill., to Nancy Vena who survives at the home. Joe graduated from St. Willibrord High School in Chicago and then joined the Army. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a firefighter/paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department retiring after 37 years of service. Joe was one of the first firefighters to serve as a paramedic and toward the end of his career he also served on the fire boat. He was a member of the Church of Annunciata Catholic Church in Chicago, Ill., was a Fourth Degree Member in the Knights of Columbus in Trinity Council, and a member of the Secular Order of Servants of Mary. Joe was very active in the Cub Scouts; he loved visiting Las Vegas with his wife, was a story teller, a jokester and loved doing his card tricks. He appeared in the movie "Backdraft" on the Chicago fire boat. Joe was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Along with his wife, Nancy, of 58 years, he is survived by his children: James (Betty) O'Connor of Jefferson City, Joseph (Delia) O'Connor Jr. of Chicago, Ill., and Kathryn (Brian) Stevenson of Germantown, Tenn.; nine grandchildren: James O'Connor III, Danielle Rivera, Allen O'Connor, Katie O'Connor, Joseph O'Connor, Jeffrey O'Connor, Krystina O'Connor, Kelsey Stevenson and Cole Stevenson; seven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Joe was preceded in death by one son, Jeffrey O'Connor. Family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2015, at Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Memorial service will follow at 2:00 with Chaplain Jim Mueller officiating. Burial will be private for the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to EMWQ Retirees', Widows' and Children's' Assistance Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109; (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com