Fredric T. "Ted" O'Connor

Fredric "Ted" O'Connor, 91, died Friday, June 30, 2017, at his home in Youngstown, with his family by his side. Ted was born March 15, 1926, in Youngstown, a son of the late Fredric T. and Mary Rickert O'Connor. He was a graduate of Chaney High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the V-12 program at Tufts University in Boston. Returning to Youngstown after the war, Ted attended and graduated from Youngstown State University, and did additional study, earning a degree, from Kent State University. Ted began his teaching career at Hillman Jr. High School, and shortly afterwards, was inducted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving as an Infantry Sergeant. He returned to Youngstown, taught a few more years at Hillman, then transferred to Chaney High School, where he taught Physics for 30 years, retiring in 1986. During his teaching career, Ted was the recipient of grants from the National Foundation of Science Institute for continual study at various colleges and universities during the summer months. Among the places he enjoyed the most were at V.M.I. in Lexington, VA, and at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS., where he earned his Master's Degree in Physics. Ted had an avid interest in music, dating back to his earlier years of playing piano in a Dixieland band with his close friends. When he retired, he learned to play the euphonium and tuba, beginning lessons at the age of 68. He became active in community bands, and was a charter member in the Youngstown Area Community Concert Band. He actively played in this band until a few years before his death, and loved the comradeship with fellow musicians. Ted was a long standing member of the Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of Ohio, Argus Lodge in Canfield, Ohio. He was also a life time member of Y.S.U. and Ole Miss Alumni Associations, and a life member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. Ted leaves his wife, the former Shirley R. Parker, whom he married on June 19, 1964; a son Calvin (Beverly) O'Connor of Kent, OH.; two step grandchildren, Julie and Danny Rickard; a son, Wesley (Erica) of Austintown; a sister Mary O'Connor Barnhart of Belaire, MD. He was preceded in death by a sister Nancie O'Connor Pierce of Grand Junction, CO. For 52 years, Ted attended the Cornersburg Baptist Church. A Memorial Service will be held at Cornersburg Baptist Church, 3898 Tippecanoe Rd., Youngstown, 44511 on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 4:00P.M.; visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial tributes be made to the charity of one's choice. The family would like to express sincere thanks to M.V.I. Hospice for their concern and care during Ted's final years.