CT Man, 27, Dies Of 'Devastating Drug Addiction'; Family Uses Obituary To Raise Awareness

CHESHIRE, CT — Sadly, drug addiction has claimed the life of another young man. Ryan Joseph O’Connor, 27, of Cheshire, died suddenly on Saturday, July 15 from a "devastating drug addiction," according to his obituary published by the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire.

All too often obituaries of young people have the phrase "died suddenly" in them with no explanation. But O'Connor's family chose to share that he struggled and died from his addiction. The family did so, according to the death notice, to help bring attention to the issue of addiction and to try and save lives.

At the end of the obituary, the family wrote, "If you are one of Ryan’s friend’s struggling with an addiction, PLEASE get the help you need now before it is too late."

The number of drug-related deaths is on the rise across the United States and right here at home in Connecticut. There were 917 fatal overdoses from 2016, which is up from 729 in 2015. The vast majority of overdoses involve some sort of opioid, and figures don’t include pure alcohol overdoses.

More and more, families are referencing drug addictions in obituaries. In New Jersey, Andrew Oswald, 23, died of a heroin overdose, and his family penned a lengthy letter that recounted his life, his addiction to heroin and how it ultimately killed him.

Oswald's parents said they wanted to share his story "in the hope that lives may be saved and his death will not be in vain." "Addiction is a mental illness," they wrote. "No one plans to be an addict."

See related: N.J. Son's Heroin Death: Parents' Painful Obituary Tells All

• CT Heroin Epidemic: Interactive Map Of Deaths By Town

The New York Times first reported in 2015 that people were starting to address drug addictions in obituaries. “This is part of a trend toward a greater degree of acceptance and destigmatization about issues pertaining to mental illness, including addiction,” Dr. Jeffrey A. Lieberman, chairman of psychiatry at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, told the New York Times.

What is also refreshing about O'Connor's obituary is after his family mentions his drug addiction, the very next line states, "Ryan was loved by all who knew him." The death notice goes on to give you real insight into what made him so special. He was an "adorable little boy" who was crowned Little Mister Cheshire. He was an athlete, loved to dig in the dirt and play with trucks.

He also gave back to his local community by becoming a volunteer firefighter. (You can read the full obituary directly below). His family states that they "would like all who knew Ryan to remember him for the good-hearted and kind person that he was. Ryan would do anything to help a friend."

Information and photo via Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT — Ryan Joseph O’Connor, 27, beloved son of Dawn (Parker) O’Connor of Cheshire and Donald O’Connor, Jr. of Cheshire passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from a devastating drug addiction. Ryan was loved by all who knew him.

Ryan was born August 23, 1989 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was an adorable little boy who at age 4 was crowned Little Mister Cheshire. He was a boy who liked to dig in the dirt, play with trucks/bulldozers and later as a teenager ride dirt bikes, snowmobiles and motorcycles.

Ryan attended Cheshire schools and played for Cheshire Youth Baseball. After school, he became a Cheshire Volunteer Firefighter. At CFD, Ryan was fortunate to meet Steve Casner who was like a big brother and provided years of support to Ryan and his family. He was currently employed by S & R Property Maintenance.

Ryan was bright, energetic and did meticulous work. He loved lots of things in life but nothing more than digging in dirt with machines, his many cats (especially Toby and Buttons) and lobster, which he would often make at home to share with his Grammy.

Besides his parents, Ryan is lovingly remembered by his grandmother Dorothy Parker of Cheshire; his grandparents Donald and Laurie O’Connor of Meriden; his sister Danielle Powers and brother in law David Powers of Terryville; his nieces Zoe and Madison Powers; his aunt and uncle Kelly and Jim Horton of Cheshire; his aunt Michele O’Connor of Meriden; his uncle Bruce O’Connor of East Hampton; his cousins Matthew O’Connor and Sean Horton; and his WV Family. He was predeceased by his grandfather Donald Parker of Cheshire.

Ryan is also remembered by his many friends in the Cheshire community, whom always tried to help him. His family wishes to extend heartfelt love, thanks, and gratitude to Frank, Sheila, Big Man, Mike and Joe Salvatore, Steve Casner, and Rich Pruitt who were all like his second family and meant the world to Ryan. In addition, his family would also like to thank the Cipully, Fabiani, Wallinger and Walter families.

Ryan’s family will receive friends on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. with a service of remembrance at 7 p.m. Ryan’s family would like all who knew Ryan to remember him for the good-hearted and kind person that he was. Ryan would do anything to help a friend. If you are one of Ryan’s friend’s struggling with an addiction, PLEASE get the help you need now before it is too late.