Patrick G. O'Connor, 87, of Dexter, New York, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at Samaritan Medical Center, surrounded by his beloved family.

Patrick was born on October 25, 1938, in Watertown, New York, the son of Francis J. and Gladys (Menard) O'Connor. 

He graduated from Carthage Central High School in 1956.Following graduation, Patrick worked as a meat cutter for American Stores in Carthage and Clayton. In 1958, he began working in the Technical Division and Research Laboratory at the St. Regis Research Center in DeFeriet, NY.

 In April 1960, Patrick joined the United States Army Reserve, serving honorably until 1962. Following his military service, he returned to the St. Regis Research Center in Nyack, New York, in 1963.Patrick later joined Niagara Mohawk's Gas Department in Watertown, where he dedicated many years of service. He retired in 1994 as Superintendent of Gas Construction and Maintenance for the Northern Region. Dad often joked that he had "beaten the system" by retiring early and enjoying life to its fullest.On October 13, 1962, 

Patrick married the love of his life, Arlene Shirley Wood, at Holy Family Church. The couple shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until Shirley's passing on December 13, 2009. Patrick later married Gail McFall on August 20, 2011, and the couple enjoyed nine cherished years together.

Patrick was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing, and collecting and restoring antique automobiles. Some of his favorite times were spent fishing with his Grandchildren at the family cottage & spending many nights around the fire with his beloved family & friends , solving all of the World’s problems. Our ‘Patty O’ will always be remembered, for how fiercely he loved his family, friends, and all of his Caregivers. He and Shirley cherished their winters spent in Florida. He was a dedicated member of Watertown Elks Lodge No. 496 and proudly served as Exalted Ruler from 1996 to 1997. Patrick was also a former member of the Glen Park Fire Department.

Patrick is survived by his children, James and Barbara O'Connor of Watertown,NY. Daniel and Robin O'Connor of Pillar Point, Dexter, NY. Anne and Kenneth Tyler of town of Brownville, NY., Colleen and Robert Purvis of town of Pamelia, NY., Heather and Jeff Tyo of Brownville, NY. ; 13 cherished grandchildren; 13 blessed great-grandchildren, with one additional great-grandchild expected soon; his siblings, Eileen LaBarge of Massena, NY., Brian and Betty O'Connor of West Carthage, NY. , Timothy and Marilyn O'Connor of West Carthage, NY., and Gregory and Ginny O'Connor of Swartz Creek, Michigan; along with several nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents and beloved wife Shirley, 

Patrick was predeceased by two brothers and their wives, Thomas and Janice O'Connor and John F. "Jack" and Mary O'Connor; a brother-in-law, John LaBarge; and a Beloved granddaughter, Teddi Patricia Louise Lagos.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday , June 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, 117 North Massey Street, Watertown. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Watertown Elks Lodge.

Donations in Patrick's memory may be made to the Glen Park Fire Department, the Pillar Point Fire Department, or the American Breast Cancer Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.