Gerald P. O'Connor

O'Connor, Gerald Patrick

 Gerald O'Connor, beloved husband of the late Judith O'Connor, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024. Born in Chester, Illinois, Jerry was a standout athlete at Chester High School (1955) and earned scholarships to the University of Illinois and Southeast Missouri State University. From 1960–1974, he coached football at Fox High School, leading the 1966 team to a perfect 9-0 record. In addition to coaching, Jerry served as a teacher, athletic director, principal, and assistant superintendent. In 2005, he was inducted into the Fox High School Sports Hall of Fame. Jerry loved playing golf and spending time with his family.

 He is survived by his children Mike O'Connor, Anne (Greg) Symes, Joan (Greg) Welsh, and Christine (Tony) Simokaitis; and his twelve grandchildren: Stuart, Emily, Ellie, Sarah, Garett, Maureen, Collin, Kaite, Bella, Anthony, Sami, and Max.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10:00 am until services at 1:00 pm at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel, 4830 Lemay Ferry Road.  

In lieu of flowers, to honor the memory of Mr. Gerald P. O'Connor please consider a donation to be made to purchase a new "Jerry O'Connor Athletic Field" sign as well as the Fox Scholarship Fund .  Checks should be made out to Fox High School, in memory of Jerry O'Connor and sent to the attention of Joe Salsman, Fox High School, 751 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO 63010.