Russell J. O’Connor Jr., of Vero Beach, Fla. died Jan. 6, 2020, at home, after a long and courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

He was the husband of Margo (Schmitt) O’Connor for 43 years. Born in Winsted on Feb. 2, 1946, he was the son of Russell J. O’Connor Sr. and Elaine (Nardi) O’Connor.

He is survived by his wife and his sister, Karen M. O’Connor, of Vero Beach, along with many loving cousins and friends. He also leaves behind his feline friend, Cleo.

Russ was the president of the family business, O’Connor Bros., Sand and Gravel, of East Canaan, started by his uncles and father, and he had worked with the company for 43 years, retiring in 2012.

After high school, and attending Central Connecticut State College, Russ went to work full-time at the family business while serving in the Army Reserves for six years, playing the trombone in the army band.

Russ’s hobbies included gardening—especially vegetables (he had a “green thumb”), which he would donate to various local soup kitchens, as well as to family and friends—and dancing, fishing and sailing.

Russ was past president of the Immaculate Conception Church Men’s Club and served as a Eucharistic minister for many years. He also was a past member of the Antique Car Club and a lifetime member of the Torrington Elk’s Lodge.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, Jan. 13, at the Immaculate Conception Church (St. Martin of Tours Parish).