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James O'Connor Obituary

O'CONNOR James Joseph O'Connor, age 76 of Fairfield, beloved husband of the late Mabel O'Connor, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Bridgeport Hospital surrounded by his family. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Denis and Mary Rose O'Connor, he had been a Fairfield resident for the last 40 years. Mr. O'Connor graduated from Saint Francis Prep in Brooklyn. He attended St. John's University, served in the United States Army, and then continued his education graduating from Pace University. While in high school and college, he excelled in track and football, and held many records in the Melrose Games and the Penn Relays. His career in property and casualty insurance spanned many years. He was a vice president for Aetna and later The Travelers where he was an expert in business interruption insurance claims. Following his retirement, he continued to consult in that specific field. He was president of Assistance for Adjusters. He was a member for many years and past president of the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield and a member of the Pac Fada golfers. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and loved to organize frequent trips to Ireland with family and friends. Jim was an avid golfer, but above all else, delighted in time spent with his family and friends. Survivors include five beloved children, Mary Wilson and her husband, Charlie of Huntington, Charles G. O'Connor and his wife, Jane of Fairfield, Erin O'Connor of Black Rock, Kathleen Fulton and her husband, Chris of Rockland, Mass., and James P. O'Connor and his wife, Mary Jane of Stratham, N.H.; two brothers, Vincent O'Connor of New York and Dennis O'Connor of New Jersey; 10 grandchildren, Timothy, James and Kate Wilson, Meri Kathryn and Charles James O'Connor, Tara O'Connor, Kaileigh and Mackenzie Fulton, Dillon and Brigid O'Connor; numerous nieces and nephews, and his best friend, Sally O'Hara of Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 28, 2009 at 11 a.m. meeting directly at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Jim's family asks in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Hospital for Children. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Connecticut Post from Dec. 23 to Dec. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James O'Connor

Not sure what to say?





Brian McInerney

January 3, 2010

I have an image of Jim standing in my parents' kitchen talking to my dad on an evening of a small party. This was one of many happy times that we spent with him.
It was always good to be with him. He was very much a gentleman. A great husband, father, and friend.

December 30, 2009

To the O'Connor family:
Jim was a long time work colleague of mine who made the job so much more fun and enjoyable. I have very fond memories of cases we worked on together that I will always remember with a chuckle.
My thoughts are woith you at this idficult time.
Barbara Nimmich

James Family

December 29, 2009

To The Entire O'Connor Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as we remember your dad, our neighbor, our friend. His door was always open to us all as was his heart.We will miss him and his lovely laugh.I will always remember meeting up with you all at the ring of Kerry,in Killarney. Hope you all carry on the tradition of visiting Ireland..Love and God bless you all!
Patty, Mark, Jessica and Morgan James...

Mary-Ellen Vollemans

December 28, 2009

Chuck and family,
I've described Jim to my friends who didn't know him as a truly gentle man. I could always count on his welcoming smile and immediately be surrounded by warmth. I am so sorry for your loss and will miss him dearly.

December 28, 2009

Dear Chuck & Jane, We're so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May he rest in peace and may cherished memories sustain you..
Sincerely,
Frank & Debbi Cataldo
Thompson, CT.

Tom McInerney

December 28, 2009

My condolences to Charlie and family on your loss. Jim and the O’Connors were always great friends to my family. I remember him as being a stoic New Yorker type who always had great warmth and enthusiasm. I remember Mae and Jim and my parents took a wonderful trip through Ireland in the `80’s. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Janet & Walter Stapleton

December 27, 2009

To The O'Connor Family,

Our thoughts are with you during this most difficult loss. We all shared some lovely times together at school sporting events, graduations and other happy occasions.It seems we've lost a part of our past.

Chris and Joan Condon

December 27, 2009

To The O'Connor family, also to Sally.
You have our sincere sympathy on the passing of Jim. He was truly a gentleman, Chris and I often talk about the time he got the Corona at the Club. In fact he called us to tell us it was there. May he rest in peace.

December 27, 2009

Megan and I are so deeply saddened by the loss of Uncle James. He was a special person who meant so much to so many people. He was and always will be an integral part of me and the entire Thatford family. We will truly miss him.

Rob & Megan Thatford

December 26, 2009

We're all so deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle James. He lived such a beautiful life, and we will always remember the great times we had in Ireland. All our sympathy and love, agus go dtí go gcastar ar a chéile muid arís, The King Family.

Roberta Marianella

December 26, 2009

When our nephew Chris Fulton married Kathleen, we were blessed to meet the O'Connor Family. The O'Connors, lead by Jim, are a totally warm and welcoming family. Paul and Steve Marianella were lucky enough to be included in one of the family golf outings to Ireland and a great time was had by all. We are so sad to learn of Jim's passing. And our hearts go out to the O'Connor family. We send our loving prayers that you will be comforted by your treasure of happy memories.
Paul and Roberta Marianella

Tim Gazdik

December 26, 2009

Erin, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.May your memories bring you comfort. Timmy/Ida

Maureen and Tommy

December 26, 2009

Chuck and family. We're So sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed so much.He was such a great man. We are so lucky to have known him.

December 26, 2009

Kathy and family,

Our deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary Pat, Bob and Erika Serhus

Johanna Lewis

December 26, 2009

This was such a shock to me. I'm so sad to hear the news and he certainly will be missed. He was one terrific man.

The Reidys

December 26, 2009

Jimmy and family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Mr.O'Connor.

May the road rise up to meet him, may the wind be ever at his back. May the sun shine warm upon his face and the rain fall softly on his fields.

Slan Abhaile.

The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home

December 26, 2009

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.

Peter and Abby Carey

December 25, 2009

Jimmy and family-
I have many great memories of Mr O. and your family. Your dad will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Anne Wansker

December 25, 2009

I was so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of this very special man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sean Coughlin

December 24, 2009

To Jim and the entire O'Conner family,

Please accept our deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

All our love.

Sean, Jennifer and the whole Coughlin family.

Kevin Gillen

December 24, 2009

Jimmy was a man among men and I will miss him. He served as a shining example of what honesty, loyalty, integrity and character should look like and left a lasting and positive impression upon all who came in contact with him. I am honored and proud to have called him my friend. My life is so much richer for having known him and his family.

Matt & Aileen Smith

December 24, 2009

To the O'Connor Family - We are very sorry to hear about the passing of your father/grandfater. Our thoughts are with you all this holiday season. Mr. O will be missed by many.

Daniel McGarry

December 24, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jim was a good man.
The McGarry Family

Dave Ryan

December 24, 2009

To Chuck and family,

My deepest condolences to you for your loss. I know I speak for many people when I say that your Dad was truly one of the good ones.

December 24, 2009

PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. I WORKED WITH JIM AT GAB IN 1974. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND FRIEND OF MINE AND MANY OTHERS. HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED.
CAROL SEMONS

Katie O'Connell Wellington

December 24, 2009

To Chuck and his family,

I am so sorry for this profound loss to your family, especially at this special time of year. Sadly speaking from the same loss 6 months ago, I hope your memories of your wonderful father bring you comfort. Chuck you introduced our little RLHS reunion crew to your Dad last year at the GAC; you beamed as you talked about him...keep those thoughts alive !

Katie O'Connell Wellington

Sara Hopkins

December 23, 2009

I am so saddened to hear of Jim's death. He was always a true friend to our entire family, bringing us much love, humor and support throughout so many years. We all lost a treasure. May you all find comfort knowing what a remarkable man he was, and that he is now reunited with his beloved Mae.

Scott Eley

December 23, 2009

I have great memories of Mr. O'Connor and the great family he raised. My sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief and your celebration of his life.

Barbara Moore

December 23, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have many fond memories of my Uncle James which I will treasure always. May your hearts be filled with the wonderful memories of a man who was a warm, witty, kind and generous soul. He will be missed.

Barbara, Stan, Jack, Ella and Lily Moore

December 23, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mary Kate Bohman

December 23, 2009

Mr. O will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

December 23, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the O'Connor family - Jim was truly a wonderful human being. Betty Salzer, Fairfield

Rebecca Hopkins

December 23, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim, my thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have so many wonderful memories of him from my childhood spent with he and my grandfather. He was a great person and he will be missed.

Ellen Godfrey

December 23, 2009

Jim's warmth, kindness and generosity will be greatly missed but his wit will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of spending time with him. My condolences to the O'Connor family.

Melody Brasile

December 23, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and we will always remember his funny stories. He helped me a lot and I will miss him.

The Gillen Family

December 23, 2009

Our thoughts are with you, Especially during this time of year. Jim was a kind, thoughtful, and funny guy. He will be missed by all.

Angie Valentino

December 23, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rose Fallon

December 23, 2009

Our deepest condolonses to the O'Connor family. Jim was a truly wonderful person and will be sadly missed by all of us.

Mark & Candace Pierce

December 23, 2009

Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim was the most kindest gentleman's gentleman. He will be missed. May God bless you all.--Mark J. & Candace Pierce

Milton Jacoby

December 23, 2009

So sorry to hear about Jim. I was glad I had a chance to be with him at the McInerney services. Please accept my sincere condolences. We certainly shared lots of great memories.

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