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John O'Connor Obituary
September 10, 1946 - June 9, 2013
Raleigh
The Reverend Monsignor John F. (Tim) O'Connor, 66, died Sunday, June 9, 2013 in Raleigh, NC. He was born in Maspeth, New York on September 10, 1946 to Betty Jean Adam and the late John F. O'Connor. Msgr. O'Connor is survived by his mother and three younger brothers: Bruce, Kenneth (Chris) and Kevin (Jackie); and nieces and nephews, Matthew, Michelle, Megan, Brittany, Jammie, Robbie, Mike, Erica, Amanda, and Rachel. He was preceded in death by his father; and brother, Kim.
After discerning a vocation to the Priesthood, he entered the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio for studies in Philosophy, Theology and for priestly formation. Monsignor O'Connor was ordained a Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Raleigh at Annunciation Catholic Church in Havelock by the Most Reverend Vincent S. Waters on March 26, 1973.
During his priestly life, Monsignor O'Connor served in many parishes throughout eastern North Carolina. His parish and mission assignments to priestly ministry included the following: Assistant, Saint Raphael the Archangel, Raleigh; Apostolate program with pastoral care of Saint Eugene, Wendell; Assistant, Our Lady of Lourdes, Raleigh; Administrator, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Raleigh; Pastor, Saint Charles Borromeo, Ahoskie; Pastor, the Newman Catholic Student Center, Chapel Hill; Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rocky Mount; Pastor, Saint Thomas More, Chapel Hill; Rector, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Raleigh; Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Raleigh; Pastor, Saint Michael the Archangel, Cary; and Pastor, Saint Luke the Evangelist, Raleigh.
Additionally, Monsignor O'Connor held the offices of Vice Chancellor and the Director of Liturgy for the Diocese of Raleigh, serving as Diocesan Master of Ceremonies for over thirty years. He also served as a Vicar Forane (Dean) for the Raleigh Deanery. On August 8, 2000, Monsignor O'Connor was named a Prelate of Honor by His Holiness, Blessed John Paul II, with the title of Monsignor. Monsignor O'Connor was additionally named a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem by His Holiness, Blessed John Paul II and was promoted to the rank of Commander by His Holiness, Benedict XVI.
The Visitation will be held at Saint Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12333 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh on Thursday, June 13, 2013 beginning at 5:00PM with the Vigil for the Deceased celebrated at 7:30PM, the Reverend Monsignor David D. Brockman, V.G., Presiding. The Visitation will conclude at 8:00 PM.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Friday, June 14, 2013, at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, with the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Principal Celebrant, the Reverend Joseph G. Vetter, Homilist and Diocesan and Religious Priests as Concelebrants for the Mass. Interment will follow immediately at Wake Memorial Park, located at 7002 Green Hope School Road, Cary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Children of God Ministry, c/o Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2718 Overbrook Drive, Raleigh, NC 27608.
Condolences may be made to www.BrownWynneCary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John O'Connor
Phil and Sandy Massy
July 11, 2013
We were new to the Cary community when we first experienced the dedication of Father Tim in 2006. His commitment to the church and his flock were so apparent when he walked through St Michael's during mass or when he gave the sermon. Or when he reminded those socializing as they waited for mass at Easter to remember why we were there.He was a true priest. May he rest in peace with the father he obviously loved and served so well.
June 18, 2013
Our Dearest Tim--Our thoughts and prayers are with you as always-your passing brings back such dear memories stretching back 30 years when you where serving as associate pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes and comforted my grandfather through cancer until now with this seemingly premature passing at such a young age. As you said to us over the years-you serve at the pleasure of the Lord-and he has called you home. All of our love--The Holland Family.
Christine O'Loughlin
June 17, 2013
Monsignor Tim,
You have touched the lives of so many through your inspiring words, profound faith and obvious love. The priesthood that meant so much to you was in-turn a blessed gift to those you shepherded.
You have meant so much to my family since we arrived in Raleigh in 1997-- although you may have never known it. Thank you for enriching our faith life and igniting the desire to know our Lord more deeply.
While the comforting love of God is probably the only thing from keeping your Mother's heart from breaking, we will do our small part to help her by keeping her and all your family in our prayers.
I'm fondly remembering one Sunday afternoon at Cathedral just before the closing hymn you said something to this effect, "This is the song I want played at my funeral.." What followed was a lively rendition of: When The Saints Go Marching In... Indeed A Saint just went marching in!
Rest peacefully in the loving arms of Our Father.
Love to you all.
Felipe Mendez
June 17, 2013
I heard a friend quote an author, and the author said.
“When someone dies, and does for themselves, their actions die with them.
When someone dies, and do for others, their actions last forever.”
That quote reminded me so much of Monsignor Tim and how he blessed our community of St. Luke. He gave us a little bit of himself in his homilies, and in the sharing of his experiences. He challenged us to grow in our faith, asked us tough questions on what will help us to improve our faith, and usually followed up with a very constructive “HOW”. How are we going to individually put that game plan into action, and live as God wants us to live. At times it was mind blowing, challenging, and so worth the time and effort.
I will dearly miss references to his favorite plays where parts of the plays applied to the scriptures on that particular day. I will miss his stories, as well his references to the questions he wants to ask of God, Jesus, St. Peter, and John the Baptist when he gets to heaven. I will miss the singing as part of his homily. What is in my heart is gratitude for the time he was with us, the messages he shared, how he challenged me to be a better man, and more importantly, a better father to my son.
May God Bless Monsignor Tim, and provide comfort to his family.
Kathy & Bill Thompson
June 14, 2013
God has blessed us all by bringing you into our lives. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers until we meet again.
June 14, 2013
Fr. Tim was the most wonderful man and a most caring and guiding spiritual leader. He baptized my son when my Matt was 9 and helped develop my son's sense of the meaningfulness of prayer and the Catholic tradition. His sermons will be so terribly missed as will his beautiful smile. Thank you Fr. Tim for everything. Be with God. Cecilia Gregory, Raleigh NC
Mark Dunham
June 14, 2013
May God be with you Msgr. Tim and to all your family especially your mother. You were very carring and kind to me and I will always cherish your friendship. Your leadership and guidance at St. Michaels was extraodinary when I was a member. I looked forward to your homilies every week. I will pray for you and your family and all of us that will miss you. I am thankful for you being in my life and know that you are in a better place now with your Lord and Savior. Rest In Peace Msgr. Tim.
June 14, 2013
I adored Msgr. Tim during his time at Our Lady of Lourdes. His homilies were extraordinary, and his preaching style was so personal, really reaching out to the congregation. My daughter & her classmates at the OLL school were fond of him, and he seemed to be a natural with them, so approachable. For their First Communion, Msgr. Tim gave all 2nd graders handmade wooden crucifixes, but these were especially unique. He'd carried the rosaries in his pockets at the viewing of Pope John Paul II, for he'd passed away not long before their Communion service. Msgr. Tim included with each rosary gift a card detailing it's special journey. To be thinking ahead of the children, and at such a time, what an amazing man! Msgr. Tim had advised my RCIA group, and each of us individually. He shared his appreciation for Christian/Catholic art, which I'd long enjoyed as well. He inspired me in my Faith with his enthusiasm. I was grateful for his time, his kindness, his humor, the pure joy he expressed when lifting up baptized babies for all to see as he presented them to each section(!)...all treasured gifts. Msgr. Tim will surely be missed here in NC, but Our Lord has another angel. ~Shelle
Carl Matthews
June 14, 2013
Well done good and faithful servant . You spent years serving others, now it is your time to rest
Carl Matthews
Saint Joseph of the Pines
Michael Akwuba
June 13, 2013
May his soul eternally rest in peace with the Lord. Amen.
Barbara Blount-Pass
June 13, 2013
As a parishioner of Sacred Heart Cathedral, I will miss the wisdom,teachings, and kindness of Rev. Msgr. Tim O'Connor. Although physically he will be absent from us. His spirit will live in the minds and hearts of all of us who loved him. May your spirit rest in peace. Your life here has ended. But your next journey is only beginning. May your family take comfort in knowing you are in Heaven celebrating daily Mass with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Carol & Al Boyle
June 13, 2013
We have so many fond memories of Msgr. Tim during his time at St. Michael's. He was a wonderful Pastor and a wonderful person, we will miss him.
Deborah A. Blount
June 13, 2013
Monsignor Tim holds a very special place in my heart. I am a parishioner at Sacred Heart Cathedral. When my parents passed away, he showed me so much kindness and compassion. I had the privilege of meeting Monsignor Tim's parents. Monsignor Tim was my rector, but he was also a very dear friend. The Church of Raleigh was blessed to have such a dedicated servant. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Marlene & Joe Day
June 13, 2013
This is a very sad time for all of us. We visited Msgr. at St. Luke's in April because we heard he was sick. He looked tired, but assured us that he was doing well. It was a wonderful morning Mass and one that we will always remember. His singing was always "spot on" even on that day. We'll miss him and think of his Mom and family especially during this very difficult time.
June 13, 2013
My husband and I have such fond memories of Monsignor Tim when he served at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh. We will always love him and are very sadden to hear of his passing. Our prayers are with his family and we pray for the repose of his soul.
Steve and Mary Williams (Dallas, TX)
June 13, 2013
Wishing the family comfort in this time of sadness...I am glad I had the chance to meet him.
Mrs. Jeanine O'Brien Jodice
TEX and LILA WALL
June 13, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
June 13, 2013
How sad to learn of Msgr. Tim's death. Having baptized our son ('74), daughter ('77) and married her and our son-in-law (2000) and then baptized both of their children, he will always have a special place in our hearts and prayers. Know he will be missed by all who knew him. Helvi Larson (OLL, Raleigh)
Jim and Kathy Manfred
June 13, 2013
Wishing the family peaceful times and comfort for the loss of their family member.
June 13, 2013
My family will always treasure our memories of a very special person. Tim was a gift to all who knew him.
Bobi Sherson (Bluffton, SC )
June 13, 2013
To the family and parishioners of Msgr. Tim O'Connor:
I was shocked to hear of Tim's death. We were classmates at the Josephinum during the last four years (theology school). I served with Tim on the famous Theolgy Liturgy Committed as well as the Theology Student Senate. he loved the liturgy and had a host of friends who loved him and kept in touch with him. May he rest in peace, and may God comfort his family and friends. - Msgr. John K. Cody, Columbus,Ohio
Sylvia O'Connor
June 13, 2013
I have fond memories of Tim's many kindnesses to me when I knew no one in Raleigh. Among them is my first taste of roast leg of lamb when his grandmother was visiting and made this favorite dinner. May you be consoled in your memories of your son and brother.
June 12, 2013
Prayers to The Family and the many friends who will miss Msgr Tim.I truly appreciated his thoughtful Homilies and service to the Catholic Church.
June 12, 2013
We were very sad to hear the sudden news that Msgr Tim had passed since we heard he was doing better. He had unbelievable homilies that always tugged at your heart. He had a dry sense of humor many did not know about but as a music minister I had moments no one else saw! We will all miss him!
The Logan Family
Al Stevens
June 12, 2013
To Tim's family,
I was so saddened to hear of Tim's passing. I first met Tim in 1976 when I was a freshman at NC State via Newman Center programs. We became instant friends. In 1984 I spent Easter Week visiting Tim in Rome while he was on Sabbatical. I learned more about church history than I ever thought possible. I also saw many more Vatican sights than your average tourist. It was quite an honor as the two of us personally met Pope John Paul II after an audience in Vatican Square. In 1990 Tim graciously accepted the role of Godfather to my daughter.
Though the years and miles changed our relationship some the impact and influence Tim has had on my life is forever lasting. Tim was an inspirational homilist and deeply spiritual person. Over my entire career in law enforcement his example on how to deal with people was something I have always taken to heart on a daily basis while serving the people of my community.
The Dioceses of Raleigh has lost a prized and cherished son. Knowing Tim was certainly a gift from God. They say a life well lived leaves a lasting impression. Tim left an awesome lasting impression. Be at peace my friend and look after us. I close with quote from Mathew's Gospel. "Well done, good and faithful servant! ...Come and share your master's happiness!" Matthew 25:21
Mark Higgins
June 12, 2013
The news of Tim's death doesn't seem possible. He was among the bright, progressive and gifted clergy whose influence in this diocese was significant over a long tenure. A career priest of high professional caliber. I will miss our dinners at Capri and endless engaging conversations. May you be restored to wholeness and know the fullness of joy in that kingdom where there is no death. Thank you, dear Tim, for being a good and faithful friend. Bless you his family, as you mourn his passing from us.
Mary Baugh Jacobs
June 12, 2013
Rest in peace my dear friend. Since 1976 Msgr Tim has been a spiritual sense of peace to me and my boys and carried us through many hard times. Anyone who knew him were brought closer to God in the most personal and real way. One of Msgr Tim's homilies at Midnight Mass many years ago has stayed in my heart. He wrote a love letter to Mary from Joseph and from Joseph to Mary. The depth of his love expressing their love for one another brought me closer to God than anything else in my life. He brought joy and love with him always. May God's love surround Tim's mom and family and I hope knowing that he brought us all closer to God helps you during this most difficult and sad time. I will miss him deeply.
June 12, 2013
We are deeply saddened by the death of Msgr. Tim, which is a loss to all of us. Our hearts go out to his mother and to all the family. He was a great homilist and it was a joy to attend his services. Joan and John Robinson, Cary
Joe and Cheryl Jacobs
June 12, 2013
We will truly miss Msgr. Tim. He not only led us spiritually at Mass with his beautiful and thought inspiring homilies, but he was our friend. We will never forget our pilgrimage to the Holy Land with him in February. It has been an honor to have this wonderful man of God in our lives. Thank you Msgr. Tim for all your special words of wisdom, humor and kindness. We will never forget you, and will keep you in our prayers. Rest in peace.
Walt & Julie Meyers
June 12, 2013
We will miss you. Your sermons were always thoughtful and deeply spiritual. Our sympathy to your mother and brothers.
Tatiana Dietze
June 12, 2013
Monsignor Tim was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend. Sincere condolences to the family.
Dietze Family
John and Sharon O'Connor
June 12, 2013
It is with great sorrow that we sign this book. A great man and teacher of the love of Christ and God, a beloved family member whom we looked up to has been taken home. We learned to love, forgive and become better people by his example. He gave to us the beauty of his caring and beliefs in this most beautiful prayer he loved, "The Deer's Cry," and in that gift gave strength, courage and peace which we will always cherish. Our prayers are with all of the family and to our most loved Aunt Betty. God Bless and know we are there with you. John P, Sharon, Erin and John E and Liz.
Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw
June 12, 2013
Dear Family and Friends of Msgr. Tim,
Sincere condolences at the untimely death of Monsignor Tim. The Lord is a Gentleman who keeps his WORD: "I am the Resurrection and the Life." I remember fondly our years together in seminary at the JOSS.
Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, Vicar General and Vicar for Clergy
Diocese of Salt Lake City
Karen Zak
June 11, 2013
The last time I saw Monsignor Tim he was inside St. Michaels Church with Bishop Burbidge. I brought my mom in who is an Alzheimer's patient briefly to see the church that she always loved to be in. As we were passing them by, he stopped and gave her a blessing which I was very appreciative of. Thank you Monsignor Tim and may you rest in peace with the glory of our Lord who you devoted your life to and served so well.
Dave Simpson
June 11, 2013
What a wonderful and compassionate Monsignor and friend, a lynchpin for our family. Father Tim's photos adorn our home with our three children, now adults whose lives were touched and enriched by his love, just like all of us who were blessed to have known him. God bless you brother...
June 11, 2013
With deepest condolences to Father Tim's family including all those of us who were blessed by his ministry all these years.
Fr Michael Burke, O.P.
June 11, 2013
I am sad and shocked to hear of Tim's death. He was gracious to me and the Dominicans when we moved to Raleigh in 1994, giving fr. Jude and me hospitality at the Cathedral. I will remember him with great gratitude for who he was and our friendship. I am thinking of his dear mother and want her to know that only God's love will carry her through the loss of her dear son. I will pray for Tim and his family during this sad time.
Father Michael M. Burke, O.P., St. Anthony of Padua Priory, New Orleans, LA 70119
JOAN
June 11, 2013
FOR SPECIAL INTENTIONS
June 11, 2013
He was a wonderful priest. I will miss him and his thoughtful homilies.
Jane McCartney
Ann Rolison
June 11, 2013
Our family will never forget Msgr. Tim ....he was an inspiration to us all. And, we wish to express our deepest sympathy to his loved ones.
Ann and Barry Rolison and family
Leo
June 11, 2013
Mrs. O'Connor and Family:
Tim and I were born on the same day but nine years apart. He was a joy to be with in serving God's people in Raleigh and will share even greater happiness w/ all of us friends and family at our Great Reunion.
Prayers and blessings,
(Fr.) Leo McIlrath, Sandy Hook, CT
The Rhode Family
June 11, 2013
Our family is very saddened by your death. We pray for your family and their certain wonderful memories of you, as we have our own through your service and caring dedication. Rest in Peace, God Bless.
June 11, 2013
To the family of Msgr. Tim, the Youssef family will always hold his homilies in our heart! May our Lord bless his soul, and rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Youssef Family, Cary, NCj
June 11, 2013
To The family of Msgr. Tim
The Spiritual Choir of Sacred Heart Cathedral express our deepest sympathy to you. Msgr. Tim was an inspiration to us. He often sang with at the 12:00 Noon Mass and his favorite song He Looked Beyond my Fault and Saw my Needs. We will greatly miss him for he truly was spiritual inspiration to all of us at Cathedral and the Choir. From the Spiritual Choir of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Harry Taylor Choir Director.
Stephen Diehl
June 11, 2013
Rest in peace, Msgr. Tim. We'll never forget your service and homilies at St. Michael the Archangel Church. You're ten years with us is sincerely appreciated. May our Lord bring comfort to his family.
Peg Beaudoin
June 11, 2013
I will miss you greatly Msgr. Tim! I enjoyed coming to work every day! There was always something happening here at St. Luke's! He had such a compassionate heart for others and their well being and he was a generous man. I loved watching him with children. He loved children and they loved him. I will hold these memories forever. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Rest in peace Msgr.
Peg Beaudoin, Parish Secretary - St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church
Fr. Bill Cawley
June 11, 2013
I celebrated Mass for Tim yesterday shortly after I heard the news of his passing. Tim was a neighbor down the hall in Theology, a classmate, a friend and a brother in Christ. May God reward him for his faithful and fruitful labors in His vineyard. Fr. Bill Cawley
Carlos n Tessie Centeno
June 11, 2013
May God bless your soul!
Carole Kelly
June 11, 2013
My heart aches to hear this sad news. Rest in Peace, Father Tim.
June 11, 2013
Thank you Msgr. Tim for making Mass meaningful. May God hold your family in His loving care.
Billie Jo Herr, St. Michael parishioner
Allison Trevor
June 11, 2013
http://ramblingfollower.blogspot.com/2013/06/rest-in-peace-father-tim-man-who.html
He brought us back to the Catholic Church.
Deborah Oronzio
June 10, 2013
To the family of Monsignor Tim,
May God bring you comfort at this difficult time. I know that Monsignor is continuing his good work and sharing his meaningful thoughts with Our Lord in heaven. May God have mercy on his soul.
Deb O, St. Luke parishioner
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