Michael E. O’Connor, 66, of Brecksville, Ohio, died August 11, in Cleveland.

Mr O’Connor lived in Newtown for 25 years. He had served as the president and elder of Christ the King Lutheran Church, where he was also a junior youth advisor, and was active in coaching. He served on the board of the Girls’ Softball League. The O'Connors left Newtown in 2012.

He was a graduate of Herbert H. Lehman College, where he earned a BA in art. He was a small business owner, an avid artist, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

His wife of 36 years, Janice Phelan of Brecksville; three children and their spouses, Meghan O’Connor and  John Irvine of Kansas City, Mo., Daniel and Maria O’Connor of Boston, and Sheila and Tom Fitzpatrick of Brecksville; and two grandchildren survive Mr O’Connor.

There will be a celebration of his life Saturday, August 17, from 2 to 5 pm, at the Nosek-McCreery Funeral Home, 8150 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, Ohio. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in his memory to The Gathering Place in Cleveland, at www.touchedbycancer.org.