Robert E. O'Connor

ROBERT E. O’CONNOR, 87

Rising Paper Co.

LAKE WALES--Robert E. O’Connor, 87, Mountain Lake, Lake Wales, Florida passed away peacefully at home on November 11, 2006

He was born in New York City on March 27, 1919. He graduated from Queens College, in New York City, in 1941. In October 1941, he entered the officer training program at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and was commissioned as an ensign. During World War II he was on sea duty aboard a submarine chaser in the littoral regions of the Aleutian Islands. He separated from active service in 1945 and was honorable discharged as a lieutenant in 1949. After his discharge from active duty, he attended Columbia University and obtained an LLB degree in 1948. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1953. In the early 1950’s, he went to work for the American Paper and Pulp Association, which latter became the American Paper Institute, in New York City. He resigned as president of the American Paper Institute in 1967, to become the owner and chairman of the Rising Paper Company in Housatonic, Massachusetts. He retired in 1988, after selling the Company to the Fox River Paper Company of Appleton, Wisconsin.

He married Marcella Hogan, of New York City, in December 1942. In 2004, they celebrated their sixty-second anniversary. Throughout their married life, Marcella was the active partner and inspiration for his many achievements. Marcella passed away in March, 2005. Their lived proved the proverb that “in humility and the fear of the Lord, are riches, honor, and life.” They are survived by their beloved children, Kathleen, Bob, Jr., Denis, Brian, and Chris, beloved grandchildren, Caitlin, Rory, Margaret Jane, Margery, and Jack, Thomas Tormey, Sheila Tormey, and beloved great-grandchildren, William Tormey, and Caroline Tormey. He and Macella were heroes, models, and mentors to their family and will be missed and loved forever.

He was devout in the practice of his faith, affirming his beliefs by deeds. In 1987, he was inducted into the Roman Catholic Order of the Knights of Malta. The mission of the Knights is ministry to the sick and poor. He was a faithful communicant at St. Joseph’s Church in Millbrook, New York and the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Wales, Florida. As an alternative to flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 15 North Avenue, Millbrook, New York 12545, or the Church of the Holy Spirit, 644 South 9th Street, Lake Wales, Florida 33853.

Viewing is scheduled for Friday, November 17 from 2 – 4 PM, and 7 – 9 PM at the Allen Funeral Home in Millbrook, New York. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 11:00 AM, at the St. Joseph’s Church in Millbrook, NY.

Marion Nelson Funeral Home, Lake Wales.