Michael J O'Connor, Jr.

Michael J. O’Connor, Jr., age  80 of West Boylston passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home with his loving wife and family by his side on Saturday, June 24th, 2023.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Maria;  his four children; Mark Gallicchio and his fiancée Lauriann Tambone of Auburn; Kelly Belsito and her husband Joseph of Shrewsbury, Melissa O’Connor and her husband Russ Watson of Webster, Nicole DeMember and her husband John of West Boylston.  He also adored his 12 grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Pop pop”; 1 great grandson and one he was looking forward to meeting soon.   Mike is also survived by a brother, Jeremiah O’Connor of Warwick, and two sisters, Norann Coggins and Elizabeth Gunn both in Connecticut.  He was predeceased by his stepdaughter, Linda Gallicchio, and eldest sister Helen Brown.

Michael was born in Worcester, the son of Irish parents, Michael J. O’Connor, Sr. and Myrtle (Booth) O’Connor.  He was raised in Worcester and graduated from North High in 1962.  He started off as a truck driver at DiPierro Manufacturing, where he met the love of his life, Maria Marchese. they got married in July of 1968 and have been inseparable ever since.  A few years later, he became a supervisor for Bee Plastics in Leominster, MA.  After retiring, they ventured into the restaurant business and became the popular M & M duo. They made their mark in several restaurants: Cafe Espresso, City Lights, Michael & Maria’s Ristorante, and M & M’s catering.   They catered many parties at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Recreation Center, never saying no to anyone who had a party and needed a meal.  Mike and Maria’s home was open to all.  One could never enter their home without having something to eat nor leave without taking something with them.  

Michael kept himself busy with many hobbies.  He enjoyed traveling, golf, bowling, and playing cards, which he did with his friends every Tuesday night.  He and Maria were often the first ones out on the dance floor, and they were partners in crime playing bocce.  Additionally, Mike was an avid sports enthusiast and even played hockey during his earlier years.   He was also a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel/Loreto parish, the Worcester Lodge #168, Order Sons of Italy, and its Bocce League, a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Brown Square Civic Club.  

Michael was a hard working, dedicated family man with a generous heart and bright smile, who would do anything for anyone.  Over the last 55 years, they raised their family with faith, love, and devotion.  He was a loyal and caring person, who selflessly devoted his life to his wife Maria, his children and grandchildren.  He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Michael’s family, Wednesday, June 28th, 2023, from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Thursday, June 29th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am.   Burial will follow in St John's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to St Jude Children’s research hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN. www.stjude.or/donate.  Members of the Worcester Lodge 168, will meet at 5 pm Wednesday in the funeral home to conduct their ritual.