Christopher Shawn O’Connor, 49, of Norfolk, passed away on March 3, 2022 in Colebrook, Conn. Born December 6, 1972, in Torrington, Christopher was the son of the late Patrick B. and Frances P. O’Connor, also of Norfolk. He graduated from Northwestern Regional #7 High School’s class of 1990. After graduation, he moved to Denver, Colo. for several years before returning to Norfolk.

From an early age, Christopher was drawn to vintage cars. He was good at drawing, and cars were a familiar theme. His love of Volkswagens began in high school and continued throughout his life. He enjoyed having a project to work on, either in the garage or with his tractor in the backyard. The garage became a place to hang out and he loved when friends would stop by to visit.

Christopher got his first dog as a teenager and he had several dogs over the years. His canine companions brought him great joy and remained by his side until his passing.

He is survived by his four sisters and brothers-in-law: Brenda O’Connor and Richard Harding of Hardwick, Mass.; Sheila and Jonathan Carbone of Southington, Conn.; Christine and Richard Selva of Conway, Mass.; Kara and Charles Schnell of Williamsburg, Mass.; and his brother and sister-in-law Patrick and Julianne O’Connor of Hatfield, Mass. His nieces and nephews include Finnegan and Maura O’Connor, Rachel Carbone, Abigail and Gretchen Selva, and Liam and Ryan Schnell. He was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Katherine Poll of Norfolk, who resided with the family, and his sister, Meghan B. O’Connor.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Street, Norfolk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).