Honor A Veteran

Albany County Honors US Army Veteran Joseph F. O'Connor

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin, Congressman Michael McNulty and the Honor-A-Veteran Committee commemorated veteran Joseph F. O'Connor at a ceremony on July 7, in Albany.

Joseph F. O'Connor was born in Schenectady, NY on July 7, 1915. Joseph attended Cathedral Academy where he played football. Upon graduation Joseph went to work as a firefighter at the Voorheesville Army Depot. Joseph worked there until November 27, 1945 when he joined the United States Army.

Joseph F. O'Conner was a staff sergeant for the Medical Detachment Unit of the 228th Field Artillery Battalion. He served in the Army for three years and saw combat in the European Theater. He worked evacuating wounded soldiers during the advance on Germany. After receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army in October of 1945, Joseph came back to Albany and began working as a fireman once again. In addition to working as a fireman he worked as a plumber for John Doyle Plumbing which his father owned. He worked there as a Master plumber until he retired.

For his service Joseph received a Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, and a European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. In addition to his awards for good military service Joseph developed a strong post-service resume. He worked as a fire captain, a licensed plumber, and a steamfitter/boilermaker. He was a member of the Ambrose J. Scully Post #1019 and the Mansion Neighborhood Association.

Joseph is survived by his sister, his two daughters, his son, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

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