Obituary of Peter Francis O'Connor

Peter F. O'Connor, age 85, of Collegeville, PA passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023.  

He was born in Narberth, PA on November 22, 1937, the son of the late Peter Francis and Bertha (Williams) O'Connor.  

Pete lived for many years in Drexel Hill, PA before moving to Collegeville in 2003.  He was a parishioner of St. Eleanor RC Church of Collegeville and a former parishioner of St. Andrew the Apostle RC Church of Drexel Hill.   

Pete was a proud graduate of West Catholic High School, Class of 1955.  He was grateful for the education he received and remained devoted to supporting the Christian Brothers Education, including serving on the West Catholic Board of Trustees.   

Pete graduated from Villanova University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1959.  As a proud graduate, Pete was a loyal supporter of Villanova University and a passionate fan of Villanova basketball. 

Pete had a long career in Insurance and earned his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation.  He enjoyed golf from his earliest days caddying at Overbrook Golf Course to his recent days playing 9 holes with friends.

His service to church, community and country included work with the PREP and RCIA programs as well as being a lector.  He was a volunteer firefighter and a Boy Scout leader. Boy Scouts of America awarded Pete the Silver Beaver award for his many years of dedicated service. He honorably served in the U.S. Army as both an Air Defense Artilleryman and Infantryman earning the rank of Sergeant.

Pete enjoyed taking road trips. He visited every state in the continental United States. He was an avid reader who loved learning about anything and everything, all while charming people with his sparkling Irish wit. 

He is survived by his wife, Nancy O'Connor of Collegeville;  

daughter, Eileen (Tom) Csongradi of Audubon;  

son, Andy (Amy) O'Connor of Collegeville;  

daughter, Martha O'Connor (Oliver Tsay) of Phoenixville;  

son, Jerry O'Connor of Midlothian, VA;  

and two sisters, Susanne Stehly of Bethlehem and Theresa (Alan) Handley of Ridley Park.  

He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Bridget, Brendan, Conor, Martin, Kelly, Ryan, Cole and Aidan.   

His Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM from St. Eleanor's RC Church, 647 Locust Street, Collegeville, PA 19426.  

Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation on Wednesday evening, March 22, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426 and on Thursday morning from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the Church prior to Mass.  

Interment will be private at a later date in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA.    

In lieu of flowers, Pete’s family would appreciate memorial contributions made in his name to West Catholic High School, "Invest in West" Fund, 4501 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139.   

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA, (610) 489-7900

www.msrfh.com