Joseph “Bud” O’Connor of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away at 88 years young at 12:45 PM, June 4, 2017. He joins in Heaven his beloved wife of 60 years, Claudia and his eldest son Patrick. Joe was known most for his loyalty to his family and Irish charm. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He served in the Army as a Paratrooper. He became vice president of the Detroit Legal News- Inland Press and moved to Arizona in 1976 where he opened and operated J&J Printing with his partner John for 18 years. After retiring, he was a proud member of the Scottsdale Elks Lodge 2148 and volunteered weekly as the oldest bartender in Scottsdale. He is survived by his children, David and Jodi O’Connor, his granddaughters, Ashley and Shannon O’Connor and his great grandson Joseph Robert. The Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM, with a Rosary being prayed at 7 PM, Thursday, June 15, 2017 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd, Friday, June 16, 2017 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley in honor of Joseph and Claudia O’Connor.
Pamela Calcaterra
Uncle Bud, AKA-U.B, I do not even know where to start, so i am just going to say how much we love you. Our trips to Arizona fron my childhood with my Mom n Dad, until us as parents, bringing our children to visit You, Aunt Claudia and Jodi, are memories I hold in my heart and will never forget. You are the best, we will all miss you greatly, especially Matthew, who looked up to you and was so proud to call you his Uncle, you were a great mentor to him. Until we meet again, I love you❤❤❤
Katy Andrew
Hi Jodi and Family,
I am heart broken about the loss of Joe. I really enjoyed spending time with him and his family. His daughter, Jodi and I have been best friends for over 30 years. In all that time I was so blessed and honored to have gotten to know Joe and some of the extended family. I enjoyed going to Tee Pee Mexican restaurant with him and his daughter Jodi, we always had a great meal and good time. I know Joe had some pretty serious health difficulties over the years but he felt comfort in his family, lots of friends and his puppy dogs, both Riley and Leo. I know that it is some comfort to the family that Joe is no longer suffering and the pain is now gone. He is at peace now and has been reunited with his beloved wife, Claudia. My sympathies to the whole family.
Joyce Dreyer / Joanna Barbieri
Joe was a stand up guy whose word was bond, who had a great sense of humor, and tons of Irish charm. Joanna and I enjoyed spending time with you. Joanna loved talking sports with you. She was very impressed with your baseball knowledge and thought you should be a coach. I enjoyed our dinners and discussions about everything under the sun. I loved listening to your stories about growing up. You were a great guy, we loved you dearly, and we will miss you tremendously.
Kathryn Lewis
We will miss his smile and quiet strength as he performed his duties as usher at St Theresa’s Catholic Church.
He will be missed……
klewis