Daniel J. O'Connor

           Lt Col (ret) Daniel J. O’Connor, age 87, passed away Monday July 17, 2023. He was born at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, January 12, 1936, to William and Elizabeth O’Connor.           

            Daniel was gifted with a unique spirit of adventure. He visited with recruiters from all branches of the military. The Marines, he said, had the best pitch. He enlisted in September of 1957 on an adventure that would guide his life well beyond his 1980 transfer to the Retired Reserve.

            Education was of fundamental importance to “Danny.” He studied the Jazz Bebop icons of his youth by sneaking into eastside Pittsburgh clubs. He earned a B.A. in History from the University of Pittsburgh in 1957 after graduation from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1953.

            Dan could tell a story. It was a skill that served him well as an instructor of Military Science with the Marines and later, working with students through the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit.

            He was a lifelong fitness enthusiast. He ran cross country and track through high school and college. He swam and coached while in the Marines. Later in life, he seldom missed his morning walk.

            He is survived by three children: Mercedes Goldcamp (Steve), Daniel O’Connor (Christina), and Leo O’Connor (Kate); and three grandchildren: Max, Maddie, and Brendan Frank. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Brendan Henry.

            His family would like to express their great appreciation to the staff at Wesbury in Meadville and Gentiva Hospice for their love and compassion.

            Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, PA, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A private burial will take place August 3, 2023, at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.    

            In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics Pennsylvania, 2570 Blvd. of the Generals, Suite 124, Norristown, PA, 19403.

            To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.