Richard “Dick” O’Connor, 76, of Naperville, a founder of the Naperville Men’s Garden Club, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, in his home from heart failure. Born in Huntington, W.Va., he was a retired sales representative for Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceutical Co. with 29 years of service. Mr. O’Connor served with the Air Force in World War II and was a member of VFW Judd Kendall Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43. He was also a licensed private pilot. An avid gardener, Mr. O’Connor helped found the Naperville Men’s Garden Club nearly 20 years ago. With the help of the Hinsdale Garden Club, he organized meetings and recruited members. “He loved raising vegetables,” said his wife, Betty Jo. Mr. O’Connor also wrote a column for Web Today, a conservative news site. Mr. O’Connor attended Calvary Church in Naperville. Other survivors include three sons, Glenn Edwards, Richard L. and Emery Edwards; a daughter, Karen Chlebek; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday in Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home.
