Emmett Charles O'Connor

Emmett Charles O’Connor 

Sydney Mines

It is with profound sadness that we, the family of Emmett O’Connor, announce his peaceful passing on the morning of August 28th, 2023, at the Northside General Hospital with his loving son, John, at his side.  

They say that the measure of a man’s worth is in how hard he works and how hard he loves his family. Emmett’s worth to our family has been unmeasurable. He came from a generation that aspired to be gentlemen, love their family, and help their community. As family, friends, and co-workers can attest, Emmett was the type of man we could all take a lesson from. He will be remembered as a true gentleman in both his words and actions, with a giving soul that knew no bounds. 

Emmett was born in New Brunswick on April 22nd, 1934. He was the son of the late Daniel and Sarah (Doucette) O’Connor. Emmett moved to Sydney Mines with his large family when he was young. There, he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Marie (Dalton) O’Connor, whom he married on April 2nd, 1955. They were married 66 years before her passing at the start of this year. Together, they raised three children, John, Emmett Jr., and Geralyn, between Sydney Mines and their second home of Blackrock. 

Blackrock became a place of generational love that both Emmett and Mae got to enjoy vigorously up until recent years. All the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were raised in the summers on the little plot of land that he cleared for camping when he and Mae were first married. Extended guests and strangers have been warmly welcomed to Nan’s and Pops for family dinners, big family reunions, and a spot for the Seniors Day Program that they hosted yearly. Emmett was proud of the dream he started, and we are honored to carry it into the next generations in his memory. 

Poppy was what he was most affectionately called, but Pops, Llyod, and Old Papa caught on as the family expanded. He loved sitting around the campfire entertaining us with stories, some hard to believe were true at times, like what they used as pucks when he was a boy or how he killed the chicken for his mother. What we will all remember him for the most is his big heart, smile, incredible kindness, and love of life. What offers us some comfort as we say goodbye to the patriarchal pillar of our family is how much quality time we had together, the memories we made, and knowing that Emmett and Mae are now at peace, leaving a legacy to be proud of. 

Emmett worked for the CN-VIA Rail for 35 years as an over-operator and at Furniture Land (25 years). When he retired in 1991, Emmet and Mae dedicated their ‘golden years’ to volunteer work with Harbourview Hospital’s Senior’s Day program. Their service was recognized after 2000 hours in the House of Commons in February 2014. Emmett was also a volunteer with Meals-on-Wheels, Kiwanis, where he held all positions from President to treasurer and secretary. He was a member of the Kiwanis for over 40 years, which he enjoyed immensely.  He was the president of the New Deal Development, where he worked hard to get Parkview seniors apartments built, where he resided, and it became the Emmett O’Connor building in 2022. Emmett’s Catholic faith was a major inspiration for his big heart and giving spirit.  

An avid Toronto Maple Leaf’s hockey fan, Emmett played and coached local Pee Wee hockey when his sons were young. There, he affectionately earned the nickname Punch. To this day, the boys he coached referred to him by the title when they saw him out in town, which always brought a quick and happy smile to his face.  

He enjoyed bowling in the CN League in his earlier years, which was just another way for this lively and charismatic man to be around people and just enjoy life.  

It has been a difficult year for our close-knit family. They say the price of love is grief and three of those we’ve loved so much we’ve had to say goodbye to in the last nine months. December 30th saw the loss of Emmett’s younger son Emmett Jr., then the death of his beloved Mae closely following January 6th. Losing him has been hard, but the gift of his presence will live on in our hearts forever. 

Awards: Provincial Volunteer Award (April 14, 2009); Paul Harris Award- Rotary; Mel Osborne Award from Kiwanis; Anne Holland Award 2008 C.B.R.M Volunteer of the Year; Kiwanis Volunteer of the Year Award (twice); Provincial Volunteer Award (1997-2012); Newly named Emmett O’Connor Apartment Building in Sydney Mines (2022). 

Left to mourn Emmett’s passing are his devoted children, whom he adored: son John (Wendy) Millville; daughter Geralyn (Dennis) Tobin New Glasgow; daughter-in-law Sherry O’Connor, Millville. Grandchildren: John (Natalie) Millville; Jennifer (Mark) Millville; Darwin (Kelly) Millville; Emmett Daniel, Millville; Jessica (Kyle) Sydney Mines; Emily (Matthew) Sydney Mines; Ashley (Neil), New Glasgow; Ryan (Ashley), Manitoba; Great-grandchildren 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Brothers: Dan (Ottawa); John (Florence) Sister: Ines (B.C)  

He was predeceased by his loving wife Mae (Marie Dalton) and sons Emmett Jr. and Michael Wayne. Granddaughter, Jody O’Connor. Brothers: Eddie, Donnie, Cosie, and Frank; Sisters: Mona, Marie, Nora, and Margret. 

A celebration of Poppy’s life will be held At Holy Family Church Hall Sydney Mines on Friday, September 1st, 2023, at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.  

In lieu of donations, please pay it forward to someone in need in his honor. This is what he practiced daily: helping others. 

Words of comfort for the family can be made at www.jmjobesfuneral.com