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In Memory of
Charles J. "Chas"
O'Connor
O'Connor
1932 - 2017
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Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home
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Obituary for Charles J. "Chas" O'Connor
Passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at his home with his loving wife, Dee, by his side.
Chas was born in Wilmington, DE, July 14, 1932, to the late William T. and Anna (Zablotny) O'Connor and was the youngest of five children. He attended St. Paul Parochial School and was a graduate of Salesianum School (Class of 1949). At Sallies he was a member of the track team, coached and officiated baseball and basketball teams. He taught Sunday School at Holy Rosary Church.
Chas graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1958 with a degree in Pharmacy. His college was interrupted by three years of service to his country during the Korean War with ASA Intelligence Unit.
Cavanaugh Pharmacy is where Chas developed not only the his love of the profession but more importantly met the love of his life. He later worked at Paul C. Tigue Pharmacy for over 14 years. In 1972, returning to his roots bought Cavanaugh Pharmacy which he and his wife, Dee, opened and operated for 25 years as O'Connor's Pharmacy in the duPont Building. He served two terms as President of the Delaware Pharmacists Society and emceed multiple award banquets. Chas was the recipient of the Bowl of Hygeia and the Harry Zeisig Award, which showed his contribution and commitment to Pharmacy.
Chas joined the Knights of Columbus in 1964 and moved through the ranks of Chancellor to Grand Knight and eventually Executive Secretary to the State Deputy. He was the first recipient of the "State Knight of the Year" award and also received Monaghan Council "Knight of the Year" in the same year. His dedication to the youth programs of the Knights of Columbus Delaware State Council over the years is unequaled. He served as moderator, judge, score keeper, and rules interpreter for the Annual Declamation Contest. In 1971, he founded the annual Knights of Columbus Track Meet and worked tirelessly over a 27 year period to make it a success. He also founded the Knights of Columbus statewide Free Throw and Soccer Skill contest, which again showed his dedication to our youth. Most recently, Chas was the first recipient of Jimmy Blunt Memorial Award last spring by the Catholic Youth Ministry.
Chas continued his life of service as treasurer of the St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Ann Parish.
Chas was fun loving, had a great sense of humor, approached life with a passion, and enjoyed having his home filled with family and friends. Delaware Park was one of his favorite venues; he usually left happy to the dilemma of the race track accountants. He was a loving and devoted family man who will be dearly missed by all.
Chas is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dee (Dwyer) and by his six loving children and their spouses, Chip (Jennifer) of Wilm, DE , Donna Fetters (Jim) Holmes Beach, FL, Michael (Theresa) Newark, DE, Marianne Watson (Dennis) Landenberg, PA, Eileen Nolte (Chris) Wilm, DE, and Tommy (Mary) Landenberg, PA. He is also survived by his 15 adoring and caring grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann's R.C. Church, 2013 Gilpin Ave., Wilm, DE, on Wednesday, April 12 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions to St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Ann's Parish or Bayard House, 300 Bayard Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805.
Krienen-Griffith
Funeral Home
www.delawarefuneral.com
302-994-9614
Chas was born in Wilmington, DE, July 14, 1932, to the late William T. and Anna (Zablotny) O'Connor and was the youngest of five children. He attended St. Paul Parochial School and was a graduate of Salesianum School (Class of 1949). At Sallies he was a member of the track team, coached and officiated baseball and basketball teams. He taught Sunday School at Holy Rosary Church.
Chas graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1958 with a degree in Pharmacy. His college was interrupted by three years of service to his country during the Korean War with ASA Intelligence Unit.
Cavanaugh Pharmacy is where Chas developed not only the his love of the profession but more importantly met the love of his life. He later worked at Paul C. Tigue Pharmacy for over 14 years. In 1972, returning to his roots bought Cavanaugh Pharmacy which he and his wife, Dee, opened and operated for 25 years as O'Connor's Pharmacy in the duPont Building. He served two terms as President of the Delaware Pharmacists Society and emceed multiple award banquets. Chas was the recipient of the Bowl of Hygeia and the Harry Zeisig Award, which showed his contribution and commitment to Pharmacy.
Chas joined the Knights of Columbus in 1964 and moved through the ranks of Chancellor to Grand Knight and eventually Executive Secretary to the State Deputy. He was the first recipient of the "State Knight of the Year" award and also received Monaghan Council "Knight of the Year" in the same year. His dedication to the youth programs of the Knights of Columbus Delaware State Council over the years is unequaled. He served as moderator, judge, score keeper, and rules interpreter for the Annual Declamation Contest. In 1971, he founded the annual Knights of Columbus Track Meet and worked tirelessly over a 27 year period to make it a success. He also founded the Knights of Columbus statewide Free Throw and Soccer Skill contest, which again showed his dedication to our youth. Most recently, Chas was the first recipient of Jimmy Blunt Memorial Award last spring by the Catholic Youth Ministry.
Chas continued his life of service as treasurer of the St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Ann Parish.
Chas was fun loving, had a great sense of humor, approached life with a passion, and enjoyed having his home filled with family and friends. Delaware Park was one of his favorite venues; he usually left happy to the dilemma of the race track accountants. He was a loving and devoted family man who will be dearly missed by all.
Chas is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dee (Dwyer) and by his six loving children and their spouses, Chip (Jennifer) of Wilm, DE , Donna Fetters (Jim) Holmes Beach, FL, Michael (Theresa) Newark, DE, Marianne Watson (Dennis) Landenberg, PA, Eileen Nolte (Chris) Wilm, DE, and Tommy (Mary) Landenberg, PA. He is also survived by his 15 adoring and caring grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann's R.C. Church, 2013 Gilpin Ave., Wilm, DE, on Wednesday, April 12 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions to St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Ann's Parish or Bayard House, 300 Bayard Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805.
Krienen-Griffith
Funeral Home
www.delawarefuneral.com
302-994-9614
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