Terrance “Terry” M. O’Connor, Sr., 89, of Huntley, Illinois, passed away on July 28, 2025, with his family by his side.
He was born on March 15, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, to Bernard F. O’Connor and Irene F. (Rosinski) O’Connor, the oldest of seven children. He married his love and lifelong dancing partner, Joan Lardino, in 1962. The couple would remain in the Chicagoland area for the entirety of their 63 years together.
Terry served his nation as a member of the Marine Corps Reserves. He was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Mary Church in Huntley at the time of his passing. He was a passionate sports fan (especially the White Sox and Bears) and an avid tennis player. He enjoyed gardening and traveling all over the world with his family. Above all, Terry loved spending time with his beloved Joan. His grandchildren will remember him for the wild stories he told. He was a beloved husband, father, and Papa. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife, Joan O’Connor; his children, Terry (Laura) O’Connor, Jr., Heather O’Connor, and Jennifer (Robert) Allare; five siblings, Lynn Reichling, Kathy (the late John) Bosh, John (Ann) O’Connor, Kimberly (Andy) Flad, and Marty (Michelle) O’ Connor; his grandchildren, Bridgette (John) Procida, Jack Murphy O’Connor (Matt Thibaeult), Matthew (Kelsey) Allare, and Jamieson (Felicia Gunderson) Allare; and his grand-pup, Molly.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Irene O’Connor, his sister, Mary Conrad, and brothers-in-law, Eddie Conrad and John Bosh.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 2 pm to 5 pm, with a prayer service at 4:30 pm, at DeFiore Funeral Home – 10763 Dundee-Huntley Rd, Huntley, Illinois, 60142. We encourage everyone on Sunday’s visitation to wear your White Sox and Chicago Bears jerseys. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 10 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church - 10307 Dundee-Huntley Rd, Huntley, IL 60142. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/) and Mercy Home for Boys & Girls (https://donate.mercyhome.org).
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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I'm so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. He was an avid member of our Why Catholic group along with Joanie and he always explained biblical meaning in layman terms so we could understand their true meaning. He will be missed by all who knew him but I'm sure there are angels singing in praise of him. My love to Joanie and the O'Connor family in their loss.
The Gilkison family is sending our love and prayers to the O’Connors. Terry, Sr was a very special man who touched all of our lives. Our Dad especially cherished his special friendship. We will be looking to the sky when our Bears win the Super Bowl this season. ❤️🙏🏼❤️
So sorry to hear of your loss, Terry!
With my deepest heart felt sympathy! What an ICON! He will always be in OUR hearts!