Dr. Leo F. O'Connor

Dr. Leo F. O’Connor of Kankakee died Monday April 7, 2014 at Riverside Medical Center. Visitation will be from 2-6 pm Sunday at Clancy-Gernon Funeral home in Bourbonnais. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 am Monday at St. Patrick’s Church, Kankakee where he was a member, by Rev. Jon Peters and Rev. Kyrin Caggiano. Burial will be at All Saints Cemetery, Bourbonnais. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Leo and Mary Ellen O’Connor Memorial Scholarship Fund for students at Bishop McNamara Catholic High School. He was born February 7, 1924 in Irwin, the son of Leo J. O’Connor and Cecilia Berns. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Gloria O’Connor of Riverside and Dr. Kelly and Linda O’Connor of Bourbonnais; five daughters and sons-in-law, Jeannie and Thomas Tisbo of Barrington Hills, Frances and Robert Marko of Hopkinsville, KY, Shawn and Kelvin Noe of Cary, Angie and Thomas Holmes of Bourbonnais, and Erin and Todd Dressel of River Forest; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Patrick and Marge O’Connor of Bradley, and 3 sisters-in-law, Shirley O’Connor of Kankakee, Eleanor O’Connor of Reddick, and Bonnie O’Connor of Kankakee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Deceased are his parents, five brothers, Ambrose, Kenneth, Laverne, Norbert and Joseph; and two sisters, Theresa Kennedy and Dorothy Niessen. His first wife, the former Verna G. Raymond, whom he married on September 11, 1948, preceded him in death on May 16, 1962. His second wife, the former Mary Ellen Welby, whom he married on February 14, 1963, preceded him in death on January 30, 1998. He was a graduate of Chebanse High School and Loyola University and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1951. After serving for two years in WWII with the 66th Army Air Force Base unit of the Army of the United States, he then embarked on a 54-year career as a general dentist in the Kankakee area. He began his career in the old Arcade Building in downtown Kankakee. He later moved to the States Savings Building in Meadowview before relocating to Bourbonnais in the practice now known as O’Connor Dental Care. He championed a number of causes along the way. He was a 50-year member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Association and was a past president of the Kankakee District Dental Society. He was a local proponent of fluoride in the drinking water and volunteered to perform fluoride treatments in grade schools throughout the area. He was a staff member at both hospitals, worked for a number of years as a dental consultant for Connecticut General, and acted as the dental adviser to the Kankakee County Coroner. In 2011 he was inducted into the Bishop McNamara Hammes Hall of Honor. His involvement at Mac included a term as president of the school board and the Huddle Club where he initiated the Pig Roast and ran the Spring Dance. He was named the Honorary Chairman for Mac Auction in 2005 and was a long time member of the Foundation Board. A devout Catholic, he was committed to Catholic education. His interest and talents led him in a number of different directions. He was a founding member of the Kankakee County Health Board and served a couple of terms as president on the County Board. He was also president of the Jaycee’s Little League and was a member of the 4th Degree Knight’s of Columbus. He enjoyed horticulture, especially roses, and was a recognized grower for the American Rose Society. He also was an accomplished cook and baker, spending much time at Pasta Plus filling in where need be. Most of all he was a man committed to his religion, his profession and his family Memorials may be made to Dr. Leo and Mary Ellen O'Connor Scholarship Fund for students attending Bishop McNamara Catholic High School.

Dr. Leo F. O'Connor

February 7, 1924 - April 7, 2014