Francis Joseph O'Connor

Francis Joseph O'Connor passed away on January 8, 2013 at the home of his daughter in Houston two years after being diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Frank was a gentleman until the end, never complaining nor wanting to burden his friends or family. The night he realized his life was ending, his son in law, Mike Van Horn, asked him if they could gather for prayers. Frank opened his eyes and with a smile said I think I need them!. Frank was born on December 2, 1923 to Mary Flanagan O'Connor and Michael O'Connor in Hornell, New York. Both of Frank's parents were raised on farms: Mary near Hornell and Michael in County Clare Ireland. He attended Hornell High School, graduating at the top of his class with honors and as student body president. He attended Villanova University and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at Villanova he played varsity football and was also elected student body president. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. His first assignment was on the USS Haywood, an armed troop carrier. He quickly set sail for San Francisco to pick up troops for the planned invasion of Japan but the Japanese had surrendered by the time the USS Haywood docked at Treasure Island. After his naval experience, Frank quickly found employment with The Air Preheater Company (Combustion Engineering) in New York City, a company he was employed with for 40 years. In New York City, he met his bride, Eleanor Miller. As their family grew, they left the city for the suburbs of Connecticut. In 1962 Frank was asked to move to Atlanta to become the Southeast Regional Manager for CE Air Preheater. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1986. He was credited with the expansion of CE Air Preheater throughout the southeast. He was an active member in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), winning awards for his service and chairing various committees during his 25 years of service. Frank was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for 50 years, serving as a Eucharistic minister and a lector as well as a member of the Serra club and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. He was also an active volunteer at I Care for the Elderly and St. Luke's Shelter in Downtown Atlanta. Frank was predeceased in November 2012 by Eleanor, his wife of 60 years and by his son William. He is survived by his son Christopher and wife Phyllis of Charlotte, NC; daughter Mary Ellen Van Horn and husband Mike of The Woodlands, Texas; son Patrick and his wife Rebecca of Atlanta; son Thomas and his wife Karen of Germantown, Maryland; his daughter Mary Elizabeth Baker and her husband David of San Anselmo, CA, 15 grandchildren and 2 great grand children. Frank said his secret to a long and happy life was a wonderful wife, great and loving family and a good scotch daily. He will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Atlanta with a rosary at 10:30 and the Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM. A private burial for the family will be held on Saturday, January 19. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donation to honor Frank be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home, 760 Pollard Boulevard SW, Atlanta, GA 30315. A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, Decatur.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033