David H. O'Connor

David Hermas O\u0027Connor of Cornville passed away on March 13, 2015. He was born in Monticello, Arkansas on May 27, 1941. His family moved to Indiana soon after and he spent his growing up years in the Indianapolis area. Dave joined the US Navy in 1958 at age 17 and was honorably discharged in 1962. His most memorable event during his service was being involved in the Cuban missile crisis. He was proud of having served his country. After the service, Dave worked as a licensed aircraft mechanic and later as a production machinery and printing press mechanic. He married his first wife JoAnn in 1960 and they had two children, Robin Ann and David Todd. After that marriage ended, he married Rita Ellen Formichella on April 1, 1972. In 1974, their son Ian Michael was born. The family lived in Indianapolis until they moved to the Verde Valley in 2006. Though having suffered many medical challenges, including two earlier strokes, four joint replacements, a wrist fusion, and various surgeries, Dave enjoyed life to the fullest. He spent many hours rock-hounding with son Ian, as well as reading, and helping his wife Rita in the kitchen. He also loved trying various eateries in the Verde Valley area. Through his life Dave was an active Episcopalian, serving on the vestry, as an usher, on retreat teams, and as a member of the men\u0027s group. He was also proud to be a Freemason, having been a member for almost 50 years, as well as being a member of the Scottish and York Rites. Dave is survived by his wife, Rita, and children, Robin Ann Ledbetter (Mike), David Todd O\u0027Connor (Bridget), and Ian Michael O\u0027Connor. He was predeceased by his father, Charles Milburn, and two brothers, Charles Junior and Daniel Mark. He is survived by his mother Ruth Isabelle, brother James Laverne, and sisters Lois Wade (Roy) and Carolyn Szalay (Robert), as well as five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 21 at 2 pm at St Andrew\u0027s Episcopal Church, 100 Arroyo Pinon Dr in West Sedona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions are made to the American Heart Association.