John O'Connor

John J. "Jack" O'Connor, 77 of Carmel, passed away Saturday, August 2, 2014. Jack was born June 21, 1937 in Springfield, MA to the late Patrick "Joe" and Marguerite O'Connor. He was a graduate of Kent State University, where he was a member of the basketball team. Jack worked for 28 years in Labor relations for Ford Motor Co., retiring in 1987. He then joined Blue Cross/Blue Shield as vice president of human resources before joining Acordia Brokerage Insurance in the same position, retiring in 2005. Jack served on the board of Blue Shield from 1973 to 1987 and served as Vice Chairman for one year. He was a board member of RHR International and served on various Acordia Boards. He was a member of the Hamilton County Education Initiative, was named a Kentucky Colonel and twice named Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Otis Bowen. Friends and family are invited to gather from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 6 at Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, August 7 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. Jack is survived by his wife of 29 years, Michelle "Mickey" O'Connor; children, Colleen T. (husband, Dan) Gutschenritter, Shaun M. (wife, Traci) O'Connor and Katherine M. "Katie" O'Connor; grandchildren, Caitlin, Annelise, David and Jack Gutschenritter; sisters, Peg Connelly, Pat (husband, Carl) Polito and Beth (husband, Peter) Harveson; brother, Jim (wife, Joy) O'Connor; father-in-law, Keith Banning; brother and sisters in law, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant son, John Michael O'Connor. Memorial contributions may be made to Gleaners Food Bank.