After graduating a 3-letter athlete from Holyoke High School, Robert O’Connor served his country in the Merchant Marines and US Army as a lieutenant with the amphibious engineers. Soon after moving to Windsor Locks in 1956, he began his coaching career– a career that lasted over 25 years and included Little League, Senior League, American Legion and Women’s softball.

The highlight of Bob’s baseball years came in the summer of 1965 when he managed the Windsor Locks Little League All-star team to a World Championship in Williamsport, PA, defeating Canada 3-1.

After the 1965 series, Bob went on to coach the 1966 All-stars to the State Championship. He continued his love for baseball as a recommending scout for the Cincinnati Reds for many years.

Bob was awarded the Windsor Locks VFW Sportsman of the Year Award in 1965 and received the Connecticut Jaycee’s Physical Fitness Award for the “Run for Your Life” exercise program that he ran in town. As Recreation Director for 15 years, he constructed a

nice skating rink at Denslow Park that was used for recreation and hockey. Under his leadership, the town grew from 2 baseball fields to 7, including the design of Veteran’s Memorial Park, which consisted of both a football field and a soccer field.

Bob started the junior soccer program in Windsor Locks and the 6th grade basketball program.

His dedication to the town of Windsor Locks is still greatly appreciated by the many young people who are involved in these programs today. Bob passed away on January 11, 2007.