Vincent R. O'Connor

Waltham - You can take the boy out of Iowa, but you can never take Iowa out of the boy. For Vincent R. O’Connor, that was evident in the garden he tended, the food he shared, and the close family ties he maintained across the miles and through the years.

Vince R. O’Connor, of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 92. He was the beloved husband of the late Lorette (LeBlanc) O’Connor, with whom he shared 22 years of marriage, and of his first wife, the late Irene (Donovan) (Conte) O’Connor, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage.

Born in Waterloo, Iowa, on September 27, 1934, Vince was the son of the late John and Leora (Wassom) O’Connor. He graduated from Our Lady of Victory in Waterloo and earned his bachelor’s degree from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Though he eventually made his home in Massachusetts, his Iowa roots remained an enduring part of who he was. So did his relationships with his siblings, whom he kept close despite the distance.

Vince’s working life reflected his many abilities. He began working for Hughes Aircraft in CA, and went on to work in electronics as a manufacturing manager at Unitrode, later served as administrator of the Reservoir Nursing Home on Trapelo Road, and eventually went into business for himself, remodeling homes through VRO Contracting.

At home, his green thumb was unmistakable. Extra-large tulips and stunning calla lilies were only the beginning. His garden included more than 120 tomato plants, with a few other vegetables thrown into the mix. The tomatoes were something to behold: big, brilliantly red, and a source of well-earned pride. Tending that garden was one of his favorite ways to spend his time.

Cooking came less naturally, at least at first. After Irene’s death, Vince had to learn his way around the kitchen, and some of his early concoctions were, by family accounts, questionable. With time, though, he found his footing and discovered a particular joy in baking. His cinnamon rolls became a family favorite, shipped to loved ones across the country. If you happened to be traveling to visit family, Vince was happy to fill whatever space remained in your suitcase with cinnamon rolls for hand delivery.

His kitchen also became a way to care for people beyond his family. Through his volunteer work at the Bristol Lodge soup kitchen and men’s shelter, Vince became known as the “soup master,” making huge pots of soup every month.

Faith was at the center of Vince’s life. He became a daily communicant at Sacred Heart Church, where he formed many dear friendships. In his later years, those friends were a source of help and comfort to him. Just as meaningful were the times spent sitting together over a cup of coffee after church. The parish was a cherished community that offered him companionship and care.

Vince had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and enjoyed praying the Holy Rosary with Fr. Rocky on the radio most evenings. As his life drew to a close, his wish for those he loved was simple and heartfelt: keep your faith, or find your way back to it.

Vince is survived by his stepson, Robert Conte (late Betty) of Woburn; his stepdaughter, Ann Cohn (Richard), of Waltham; his grandchildren, David (Kristin), Gregory (Liane) and Daniel (Joanna) Conte and Adam (Rupert Skilbeck), Brendan (Jenna Scaccia) and Alex (Elizabeth) Cohn, his four great grandchildren; and his brother, Mark O’Connor (Amie) of Wilmington, NC. He was predeceased by his siblings, Alice Smith, John O’Connor, James O’Connor and Margaret Sauter. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, who knew him as “Uncle Roger” west of the Mississippi and “Uncle Vince” to his favorites. Uncle Vince was a second father to Michele Daly (Joel) and John O’Connor III (Christina), both of Waltham.

His family and friends will remember him in the familiar things he loved and shared: a garden in full bloom, a large red tomato, a package of cinnamon rolls, and for all his prayers for us.

Family and friends will honor and remember Vince’s life by gathering for visiting hours at Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Friday, November 13, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.