Obituary of William A. O'Connor, Sr.

     Mr. William A. O’Connor, Sr., 72, of Schuyler, passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 2024.

     William was a lifelong resident of the Utica area. In 1981, he married Alisa Godemann and the couple shared a devoted and blessed life together. William retired from Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center after more than 38 years of dedicated service.

      Before his health declined, Bill was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He talked the talk from August-January and took great pride in sharing his passion with everyone. In the summer months, William was able to get out of “Sarge mode” and have fun at camp. He truly cherished those friendships. 

     Bill was known for his cooking. He was territorial of his kitchen and always cooked in large quantities. He never did learn how to cook for just 2.

     His children, grandchildren and canine companions always cracked his tough exterior and found the soft spots within. Bill always said he would stop at the canine rainbow bridge first.

     He made sure the people around him were taken care of and was always there when needed.

     Besides his loyal wife Alisa, he leaves behind his sons, William (Roseann) O’Connor, James (Shannon) O’Connor, and Ryan (Danielle) O’Connor; daughter, Britney (Justin) Streeter; 13 cherished grandchildren, Dylan and Cora O’Connor, Parker and Corbin Streeter, Colin, Abigail and Isabella O’Connor, Jessica Pavia and Noah, Joshua, Samuel, Maddie and Emma O’Connor; sister, Donna (Al) Campbell; mother-in-law, Evelyn (Dave) Wilson; sister-in-law, Alison (Ralph) Crandall; brother-in-law, Robert (Cynthia) Godemann; two special nieces, Jaimee and Lisa and close friends, Ronnie, Richard and Mike. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Marion O’Connor and brother Art O’Connor.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to a memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of the memorial service.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Route 5S, Mohawk, NY 13407 (www.herkimerhumanesociety.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).

 Envelopes will be available for both organizations at the funeral home.

     In Heaven there is no pain; Rest in Peace my friend.