Barth S O'Connor

Barth S. O’Connor, 80, a longtime resident of Worcester passed away surrounded by the family he loved, Friday, September 29th 2023.  

Barth was born in Starksboro, VT, one of 15 children of Harold J and Bernice (Harriman) O’Connor.  Raised and educated in Vermont, Barth joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era serving his country proudly with U.S. Forces in Germany as a medic. Upon discharge and return home, Barth lived in Vermont, New York and Massachusetts before settling in Worcester to raise his family.  Barth worked many years for Norton Company, now St. Gobain, in Plant 7 before retiring.  

Barth’s wife Verna L. (Pinkston) O’Connor passed away in 2009.  He is survived by his three devoted children, Gerald O’Connor and his wife Paula of Princeton, Dwain O’Connor of Worcester, Julie Skalin and her husband Jeremy with whom he lived; nine grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa”, Jonathan, Gavin, Caleb, Allison, Zoe, Aidan, Chloe, Ryan and Jack; brothers and sisters including, Barry, Bernice, Patty, Harold, Katie and Kerry. He had an extremely close relationship with his brother Barry, his best friend. The pair were inseparable from an early age and shared all of the joys and confronted all of the challenges life presented to them together. Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Particularly his niece Brenda Gottlieb, with whom he shared a special bond. He was predeceased by his siblings; Francis, Rowena, Rohl, Terrance, Darrel, Marlene, Crena and Darrow.

Barth was all about family, and friends, he had a gravitational pull with anybody he met, always becoming good friends with them. He and his wife Verna were the pillars of their family, and could always be counted on for help and advice. This unconditional acceptance and good-will extend to both their many friends and even the friends and acquaintances of their children who were always welcome in the family home. Countless problems found their solutions with the wisdom shared at “Papa’s table”. He was a father-figure to many who sat there.

Barth enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and the music of Johnny Cash.  Barth had many great moments in life, His greatest being those spent with his family during the holidays, special occasions or just gathering at his house.  

A period of calling hours will be held Wednesday, October 4th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am followed by his funeral service at 11:00 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.