John F. "Jack" O'Connor

John F. “Jack” O’Connor, 88, of Watertown, NY, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at Samaritan Summit Village, where he had been a resident.

Jack was born on April 5, 1937, in Carthage, NY, the son of Francis and Gladys (Menard) O’Connor. He graduated from Carthage High School and went on to serve honorably in the United States Navy.

On February 27, 1960, he married Mary E. Keech at Saint James Catholic Church. The couple settled in Watertown. Jack was the manager at  Acme Markets until 1979 when his brother Brian and him opened  the Watertown IGA store at Hilltop Plaza in 1979. In 1982 the brothers opened their second location in lowville where they operated the stores  before passing the business on to his son, Michael O’Connor, and his wife.

Jack was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a devoted New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan and took great joy in attending his grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Michael G. and Vicki O’Connor of Lowville, NY; four daughters and two sons-in-law, Nancy O. and Gregory French of Syracuse, NY; Carol E. O’Connor of Syracuse, NY; Mary Frances O’Connor of LaFayette, NY; and Kathleen and Robert Kuba of Watertown, NY. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and five siblings: Eileen LaBarge of Massena, NY; Patrick O’Connor of Pillar Point, 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 Michigan, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by a granddaughter, Kaitlin O’Connor, and a brother, Thomas O’Connor and of course his wife Mary in 1999. 

Arrangements are with Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. Private Services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Jack will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery with military honors. For those who wish to pay their respects please join the family at the Watertown Elks Club for a celebration of life at 1pm Thursday July 10th.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the SPCA, 25056 Water Street, Watertown, NY 13601 (https://www.google.com/maps/search/25056+Water+Street,+Watertown,+NY+13601?entry=gmail&source=g).

Online condolences may be let at www.hartandbrucefh.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.