Asa A. O’Connor

Hope he knew how much joy he brought to people’s lives. Wish I would have told him so long ago. The world is going to miss you Asa.

Asa, you are already missed from this world…as I enjoy reading the memories being shared, I too, think back to a time when your charm, wit and humor filled the room and even busted through it! Always, smart, funny, with insight, kindness and even a vulnerability that made you relatable to so many…you are a dear spirit and I will always smile when I think of you, even if right now it’s through some tears…to your family and all of those who love you, my deepest heart strength and love is being sent to you. Thank you for sharing him with us!
Laura Ludwig-Austin, TX

We’ve known Asa for many years, meeting him through our dear friends Paul Gualtieri and Michael Marshall. We’d enjoy yearly visits at the holiday party we all attended, which was filled good foods, friendships and laughter.
After seeing some of Asa’s handy work, we hired him (Coma Construction) to build our current home. Ahh, what an adventure we all had during those months! And, Asa hired our son who had just graduated from high school to work for him at Coma.
Asa was a kind person and friend to many. We are sorry for this great loss.
Deb, Rick, Elisabeth and Steve Smith

Prayers for his family, very sorry for your loss.

I met Asa through one of my best friends, Asa’s brother, Gabriel Jamsen. Asa was the owner of COMA Construction, who Gabe and some other guys I knew, worked. Because I was tired of working retail while in college I asked Gabe if he thought Asa might hire me to work for COMA doing roofing and gutters. Gabe said, “You can ask Asa tonight, he’s having a Barbeque at his place.” So we get to Asa’s place on Shiawassee (COMA headquarters in the basement at the time) and he’s out back at the grill entertaining everybody. He asks me to go inside with him so we can talk better and we go to the kitchen where he gets a beer for himself and offers me one. As I’m opening my beer he asks me if I’ve ever done any construction before. I say no. He said, “Are you a hard worker? You afraid to get dirty? You afraid of heights?” I said I was a hard worker and would do whatever I was asked and the interview was apparently over. He said, “Okay cat, be here tomorrow at 6:30 am.” Best interview I ever had or will have. So I get there the next morning, right on time, and Asa’s just getting up. He says, “Cat, here’s some cash, go to QD and get us some coffees.” So I go and come right back with two coffees. I should say that to this point in my life, I was not a coffee drinker, but he said get two coffees, I got two coffees. I get to the house go into the side door and down the basement. I give Asa his coffee and he says, “Dude?! Did you get me non-dairy creamer? That powdered crap?!” Here I am, first assignment and I already had made a mistake. A few minutes later we go out to Asa’s truck and we do a few errands that Asa had to do and I ask him, “So what are we going to be working on today?” I’m assuming I’m going to learn how to put rain gutters on a house. Wrong. Asa looks over at me totally straightfaced without missing a beat and says, “The first thing we’re going to do is something about your haircut.” I was like, “What?” To which Asa replied, “Cat? C’mon, you know its terrible. You’ve got to know. C’mon, trust me, you need a better look. Especially if we’re going to be working together. Your look is part of your confidence. you start with a good look and then comes the attitude.” Next thing I know we’re outside of Bohemian Barber in East Lansing and Asa says to the ladies there, “Teri, Sunshine, help this guy out, please.” I sat down in the chair and Asa and a cool woman named Sunshine decided what could be done with my hair. While I got a haircut (in a salon for the first time ever) Asa talked to Teri and fixed the electrical in the Bohemian Barber sign. After that, with my brand new hairstyle, Asa took me to a house at which COMA had just done a roof tear off. As I got out Asa said, “See all these shingles and nails all over the ground? Pick every single bit of it up and get it into that dumpster, I’ll be back in 6 hours or so. Here are some gloves.” And off he went. I worked for COMA for years while I was going to college and it was some of the best times in my life. I learned a lot from Asa and will treasure his memory. He was a self-made, hardworking man who had a lot of integrity for his work and was a truly passionate single Father to his daughter. He was loyal, determined, hard-working, intense, cocky and had a very real and infectious fire. Thanks Asa for not only letting me work for COMA, but for teaching me a lot about style, atitude and how a man should approach work – with every single thing you’ve got to give. – Brendan

Asa was in the 8th grade English class that I taught at Otto Middle School 1983-84. He was such a joy: kind, compassionate, generous, and funny. I loved having him in my class and seeing his smiling face everyday. I only wish I had been privileged to know him as an adult.

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful human being. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Sending heartfelt love to you, I will be with you all in spirit on Friday…Kelsea, Lyn, Gabe, Mary.

I have too many memories to share, however, two stand out.

It was a fall morning about 8-10 years ago. I arrived at Holy Cross school and began opening up the office and getting ready for the day…upon opening the staff inner office restroom I was greeted with a large deer mount hanging above the sink!!! Imagine my utter surprise!! Guess who showed up several minutes before school started with a big grin on his face, yep, you know who!

The year that my husband’s mom passed away he was feeling too sad to get a Christmas tree. Asa asked how Tony was doing so I mentioned the tree decision. A couple of days later a fresh cut Christmas tree appeared on the front porch with a single decoration on it.
Asa didn’t want it known that it was he who got the tree. I told Tony this week. We still have the decoration…I have no more words.

Asa,

You’re missed and gone too soon in your life. It isn’t fair. I am sorry for your suffering. My dear friend LeeAnn loves you so- i can only but offer words of kindness which offers little comfort while she suffers your loss. Your whole family and friends suffer and mourn in your loss. Along with family and the many other friends that you shared together as a couple I too will be there for LeeAnn and Amelie to share supportive love and friendship. I promise you that. I wish i could remedy the pain of your loss to them. In your memory, may we all keep in peace and cherish you always.

I knew Asa in the 90’s during the early days of COMA and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember how much he loved his daughter and what a committed Dad he was. Everytime I hear the song “ Butterfly Kisses” , it reminds me of Asa & his love for you Kelsea ( even though you were too young to remember me). I’m so sorry for your loss.

Well I just heard the news and I am heartbroken! Heartbroken I could not send prayers or even a visit!!!!
Lyn I was an old friend of Asa’s , I have been to your house a few times in Lansing! I am filled with tears waiting in the dentist office for our daughter as I am writing this. Sunshine an old roommate just shared the news with me today!
Hugs to you Lyn! Kelsea! Sincerely kammila! Worked at Douglas j. I hope that brings back a memory of who I am.