Obituary of Ryan J. O'Connor

CHESHIRE - Ryan Joseph O’Connor, 27, beloved son of Dawn (Parker) O’Connor of Cheshire and Donald O’Connor, Jr. of Cheshire passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from a devastating drug addiction.  Ryan was loved by all who knew him.    

Ryan was born August 23, 1989 at Yale New Haven Hospital.  He was an adorable little boy who at age 4 was crowned Little Mister Cheshire.  He was a boy who liked to dig in the dirt, play with trucks/bulldozers and later as a teenager ride dirt bikes, snowmobiles and motorcycles.  Ryan attended Cheshire schools and played for Cheshire Youth Baseball.  After school, he became a Cheshire Volunteer Firefighter.  At CFD, Ryan was fortunate to meet Steve Casner who was like a big brother and provided years of support to Ryan and his family.  He was currently employed by S & R Property Maintenance. 

Ryan was bright, energetic and did meticulous work.  He loved lots of things in life but nothing more than digging in dirt with machines, his many cats (especially Toby and Buttons) and lobster, which he would often make at home to share with his Grammy. 

Besides his parents, Ryan is lovingly remembered by his grandmother Dorothy Parker of Cheshire; his grandparents Donald and Laurie O’Connor of Meriden; his sister Danielle Powers and brother in law David Powers of Terryville; his nieces Zoe and Madison Powers; his aunt and uncle Kelly and Jim Horton of Cheshire; his aunt Michele O’Connor of Meriden; his uncle Bruce O’Connor of East Hampton; his cousins Matthew O’Connor and Sean Horton; and his WV Family.  He was predeceased by his grandfather Donald Parker of Cheshire. 

Ryan is also remembered by his many friends in the Cheshire community, whom always tried to help him.  His family wishes to extend heartfelt love, thanks, and gratitude to Frank, Sheila, Big Man, Mike and Joe Salvatore, Steve Casner, and Rich Pruitt who were all like his second family and meant the world to Ryan.  In addition, his family would also like to thank the Cipully, Fabiani, Wallinger and Walter families.      

Ryan’s family will receive friends on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. with a service of remembrance at 7 p.m.  Ryan’s family would like all who knew Ryan to remember him for the good-hearted and kind person that he was.  Ryan would do anything to help a friend.  If you are one of Ryan’s friend’s struggling with an addiction, PLEASE get the help you need now before it is too late.