Michael J. O’Connor, Esq.

Michael J. O’Connor, Esq. of Glens Falls, New York passed away peacefully on Thursday March 5th, surrounded by loved ones after a short hospital stay. Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, loving companion, great grandfather, lawyer, community leader, and family patriarch. He shared his generosity with so many and had positive impact on all he met.

Michael was born on October 4, 1942, in Glens Falls to W. Robert and Ruth Breen O’Connor. He grew up in a close-knit Irish Catholic family, sharing his childhood with three sisters: Betty, Marylois, and Ruth, as well as a large extended family. Michael attended St. Mary’s Academy, a school that educated generations of the O’Connor family. It was also there that he met Patricia Hogan in kindergarten, who would later become the love of his life. They began dating in high school, graduating together in 1960 alongside a group of classmates who remained lifelong friends.

After high school, Michael attended Boston College and later Albany Law School, and his beloved Pat (Tricha) went to nursing school. Starting in high school and continuing through law school, Michael worked with his dad in the family demolition business. He married Pat in the summer of 1965, and their true partnership would last fifty years forming the foundation of a life centered around family, community, and hard work.

Michael began practicing law in Glens Falls in the late 1960s and quickly established himself as a tireless advocate for his clients. In the early 1970s he co-founded the law firm that would become Little & O’Connor, a practice that would serve the region for more than half a century. Michael was a leader in the bar and known throughout the area as a preeminent land use lawyer. Michael spent over 55 years helping families buy, sell and construct their homes, guiding businesses as they grew, and representing clients before planning and zoning boards across the North County and beyond. Many of his clients became great friends. In 2021 his firm merged with FitzGerald Morris Baker & Firth, where Michael continued serving clients as senior counsel. Even then, he was still working tirelessly —because as he often said, “if you're going to do something, do it right or don't bother.”

Michael and Pat raised their three sons in Queensbury and later in a beloved family home on Glen Street in Glens Falls near Crandall Park. The house became a gathering place for friends, neighbors, and extended family. The front lawn offered prime viewing for the annual Memorial Day parade, and Michael was known to take matters into his own hands—sometimes literally—clearing snow from the Crandall Park pond so neighborhood kids could skate. He also helped maintain the outdoor rink there and coached youth hockey.

Michael led a life of service and was dedicated to his community. He was a member of the Queensbury Volunteer Fire Department for many years, an active member of Our Lady of the Annunciation parish including on the Parish Council; the Knights of Columbus; the Glen Lake Protective Association; and an active member of the Rotary Club of Glens Falls—where in later years he could often be found happily working the fried dough booth. He was also a longtime member of the Glens Falls Country Club, where he enjoyed golf, paddle, and the company of good friends, particularly on trips with the “Round Pond” group.

In the early 1990s Michael became active in local politics, eventually serving as chairman of the Warren County Republican Party. In that role he helped many local candidates begin their public service, including his sister Betty O’Connor Little, whose long career in the New York State Senate he proudly supported as chief campaign manager, fund raiser and even sign holder!

Michael’s father established a family compound on Pioneer Point at Glen Lake, and he relished spending time there with his extended family and friends. He loved being on the water sharing his passion of the lake life, teaching generations to ski, tube and drive the boat and spend time around the campfire at the beach.

At home, Michael was a leader in the fullest sense of the word. His three sons grew up on Glen Lake and Adirondack canoe trips that combined adventure, challenge, and lessons about perseverance—experiences that became cherished family memories. Pat worked as a OR nurse and maintained the fort at home keeping Michael and all of us on the right path – often punctuating her “advice” with a well aimed “MICHAEL.” While Michael was generous with his time and opportunities, he was also known for his clarity about how things would be run. When debates got too spirited, he would calmly remind everyone with a whistle: “This is not a democracy.”

After the boys left home and confirming that Glens Falls wouldn’t stop working if he left town, Mike and Pat started traveling, visiting Italy, Ireland among other places, and Nantucket with friends, and took several cruises. After nearly fifty wonderful years of marriage, Michael lost Pat, a loss that left an enormous space in his life and he then moved full time up to live on Glen Lake next to his sisters.

Eventually he found love again with Dr. Sue Russell, who brought back joy, laughter, and a new chapter of adventure. Together they traveled widely and spent time at Sue’s farm in Westport, where Michael rediscovered his love of trucks, tractors, and the rhythms of farm life. Sue also introduced him to healthier habits—some of which he adopted enthusiastically, and others that Michael politely declined.

In his later years Michael faced the challenges of dementia with dignity and courage. His family is deeply grateful to those who supported him during that time, including Cathy and Frank, whose care and kindness meant a great deal.
He leaves behind a large and loving family who will remember and miss his wisdom, humor (which often only he understood), and the steady guidance he provided throughout their lives. Michael, know to many as Uncle Mike, is leaving a legacy of generosity, service, and family-kin and created.

Michael was predeceased by his loving parents and his wife Pat and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Michael is survived by his three sons and their spouses and loving grandchildren: Dan & Amy O’Connor of Natick, MA and their kids Caroline Osio (spouse Miguel and son Hugo), Jack and Dan; Michael II & Heather O’Connor of Queensbury, NY and their kids Eleanor (Ellie) and Michael III (Mick); and Brian O’Connor and his husband Patrick Gennardo and their kids, Phoebe and Cameron. He is also survived by his companion of ten years, Dr. Sue Russell and her family, and his three sisters Betty, Marylois and Ruthie, their families of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins beyond count.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 on Tuesday, March 10th at Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Rd, Queensbury, NY and a funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s on Wednesday March 11th at 10 am at 62 Warren St, Glens Falls, NY with burial after at Pine View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Michael asked that donations be made to St. Mary’s Academy (https://www.saintmarys.academy/donate), his beloved alma mater, or to the Glens Falls Hospital (https://www.albanymed.org/glensfalls/glens-falls-hospital-foundation-donations/) , where he and his family have received amazing care for years.

The family asks when you see light on the water, you think fondly of Michael.