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John O'Connor Obituary
John Jay O'Connor, III, of Phoenix, Arizona and Washington, DC, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, in Phoenix, Arizona, of complications from Alzheimer's disease. Born in San Francisco, CA, to Dr. John Jay O'Connor, II, and Sally Flynn O'Connor, John attended St. Ignatius High School, where he studied both Latin and Greek. John then attended Stanford University for a bachelor's degree in 1951 and a law degree in 1953. While a student at Stanford Law School, John was honored to be selected for the Stanford Law Review. He was assigned to work on an article with one of the school's few female students, Sandra Day, and quickly fell in love with her. They were married on December 20, 1952 at the Lazy B Ranch in Southeast Arizona. Upon John's law school graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served three years in the Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps. He was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, from 1954 through 1956. Sandra was employed as a civilian attorney by the Quartermaster Corps. Upon his Army discharge, John and Sandra lived for a time in Kitzbuhel, Austria, learning to ski and play tennis. They returned to Arizona in 1957 in anticipation of the birth of their first son, Scott. John joined the law firm of Fennemore Craig Von Ammon McClennen and Udall. He became active in the community and in the Arizona Republican party as president of the Young Republicans. In addition, John chaired both Arizona Crippled Children's Services, a precursor to Phoenix Children's Hospital, and Valley of the Sun United Way. He was a steady advocate for United Blood Services of Arizona, organizing blood drives every year. John was a member of the Rotary Club 100 and also served as president. John also served on the Stanford Law School Board of Visitors. John was honored to serve as a Judge Pro Tem in Maricopa County Superior Court. Upon moving to Washington D.C., John joined the firm of Miller & Chevalier, and later, Bryan Cave. John was a great orator, joke teller, master of ceremonies, dancer and sports enthusiast. John is survived by his wife, Sandra, and sons, Scott (Paradise Valley, AZ), Brian (Scottsdale, AZ) and Jay (San Francisco, CA). He had 6 grandchildren, Courtney, Keely, Adam, Weston, Dylan and Luke. He adored his daughters in law, Joanie (Scott) and Heather (Jay). Memorial services will be private. Contributions may be made in John O'Connor's name to Huger Mercy Living Center (2345 West Orangewood Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021), O'Connor House, LLC (c/o Rio Salado Foundation, P.O. Box 1737, Tempe, AZ 85280-1737) or St. Ignatius College Prep (2001 37th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94116).
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Memories and Condolences
for John O'Connor
April 12, 2010
Dear Sandra,
I am sorry about your loss. I feel your pain.
I remember when you and John came to my parents home in Munds Park, in 1979, for you to officiate the marriage of my brother, Dennis Hall, to Jill Webb. Jill was raised on your Lazy B Ranch, in Duncan.. I was in the wedding with you. That was when I met you and your husband, John. I recall how much I liked both you and your husband. Both of you and your husband were such kind and loving people. Each of you left a wonderful impression on my mind.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May Our Dearest Lord be by your side, and may He bless you, and give you peace during this time of sorrow.
With love,
Patricia Hall Goodin
Dallas Clites
November 25, 2009
Dear Sandra O'Connor,
Last night I was camping in the desert, reading your book, "The Lazy B". When I got back, my wife told me John O’Connor, had died.
I am so sorry. I wish “Happy Trails” for John, in his new destination.
Take Care,
Paige Pilcher
November 20, 2009
Sandra, Brian,Scott and Jay, my thoughts and condolences are with you all. I have so many fond memories of the whole O'Conner family, picnics, back yard get togethers,and family outings! I shall always think of you all fondly, and John, was such a kind soul just like my father and mother were.
elli edgar
November 19, 2009
Justice O'Connor and family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. It has been a difficult journey with John's illness. I hope cherished memories will give you comfort and peace
Constance Brown O'Connor-Gahagan
November 17, 2009
Dear Sandra,
Though our efforts to reunite in these past few years were not fulfilled, I am none the less saddened by the fact that this will not be - as John will no longer pass this way again, nor walk with us on this earthly path.
As our Irish ancestor's would say, we shall yet be reunited one day in another house. I know that in that house we shall be joined by all of the wonderful O'Connor / Brown families and shall indeed mark the occasion with lively "Kerryman stories" and plenty o' Tullamore Dew! Michael and I and all of the family send you and Brian, Scott and Jay our deepest sympathies and everlasting love.
Ralph Watkins III
November 17, 2009
Your Honor O'Conner and Family, we are so sadden by your loss, my Father has shared many wonderful memories of your family. John has left a wonderful legacy and now can take his place with the other founding Fathers of this great State. With highest respect, the Watkins Family for the late Ralph A Watkins Jr. 602-525-4415
Bobby & Debbie Deneke
November 16, 2009
I admire your powerful example of having chosen to care for your husband for the many years of his illness. Our prayers are with you and for you during this very difficult time.
November 14, 2009
The Most Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor and Family: We are most saddened by your loss and extend our heartfelt condolences.I first met John in Phoenix in the early 70's. I was starting out in the practice of law while John was already a well established member of the Bar. We were on opposite sides in a lawsuit. I vividly recall that he treated me with great respect that day and thereafter. I have never forgotten that. I considered him a gentleman of the highest order....Frank Parks and wife Sue
Roz Mason
November 14, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Armida Cisneros
November 13, 2009
My condolences to the Honarable Sandra Day O'Connor and family. May you find comfort and peace in those you love.
Lois M &L Hiram(Larry) Adams
November 13, 2009
The Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor and Family.
Even though Lois now resides in a very nice,well managed assited living home cared for by a loving couple with a passion for caring for the illness of stroke and Alzheimer's patients our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time of great loss,it's never easy.
I had the privilege to meet Mr.O'Connor when he was an active co-founder of the law firm O'Connor Cavanaugh sometime in the 1980s.He was a good man and a very competent lawyer.
I watched him work the court room on many occasions as I was attempting to learn the judicial system which later helped me a great deal as an expert witness in the areas of business and finance and accounting.
Our Love and Best wishes as you continue on with life.
Lois M.&L.Hiram(Larry)Adams
November 12, 2009
To the entire O'Connor Family - I wish you the best under these trying times. I grew up with Scott at PCDS and have many fond memories over the years of the family. Thank you for being a part of our lives.
Cathryne Beardsley and Dorian Kuper
Bernald Porter
November 12, 2009
Justice O'Connor and family -
May the good memories you created with John find root in your hearts and bring sweet recollection to your minds as you celebrate his life.
Sandy Eastman
November 12, 2009
To the O'Connor Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We're saddened by John's passing but we know he has gone to a better place where there is no Alzheimer's disease to deal with. He was a lovely person and could he ever dance. We knew him there at Huger. God bless you all.
In God's love,
Sandy and Dick Eastman
Mary Hauer
November 12, 2009
Our condolences to the O'Connor family. Mr. O'Connor was a fun soul with a beautiful family. We pray you will live with the fondest of memories and have the peace in knowing he is in God's eternal care.
The Hauer family, Phoenix
Doris and John Bohren
November 12, 2009
November 12, 2009
Honorable Justice O'Connor
Please accept our symtathy in the loss of your husband. Thank you for being a caring spouse, an HONORABLE member of the Supreme Court, and an INSPIRATION to all women. Remember, your loved one is never gone, they live within your heart.
November 12, 2009
Char and Jim Berens (Dr and Mrs James)
Peace and prayers
Ellie Irvin
November 12, 2009
Sandra,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Loosing one's spouse is not easy. To the family your loss is also great. Share your fondest memories. Just remember, John is at peace, and may God grant you the same.
Maire Simington
November 11, 2009
You are such a gracious family and how you have handled adversity has provided a role model for the rest of us. May you find comfort in wonderful memories that you have shared as a family.
Scott Fyffe
November 11, 2009
Scott and Family, sending sincere condolences. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you during this time. God bless you all.
Bill and Sue Duffy
November 11, 2009
We extend sincere condolences to Sandra and the other members of John's family. John was a close friend during
high school when we were debate partners and worked on the school news
paper. Sue and I will always remember
his wonderful hospitality during our visits to Washington D.C.
Judy & Earl Eisenhower
November 11, 2009
How well we remember your days in Washington and all of those happy times. You two made Washington fun. Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your sons.
The Wattle Family
November 11, 2009
May all the wonderful memories you have of your joined and joyous young lives blot out all the others from the recent years as you helped him fight the battle with this disease. God bless you and your family in this time of loss.
Joe Kelly
November 11, 2009
I was a classmate of John's at St Ignatius high in San Francisco, class of 1947. What I remember most about John is that he had a wonderful sense of humor.At ,I believe, our 50th class reunion my wife particularly enjoyed being whisked about the dance floor with John as he displayed his estimable terpsichorean talents. He was always great fun!
The Clifford Family
November 11, 2009
May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time. And may your memories bring you peace.
Our sincere condolences,
Andrea Kline RN
November 11, 2009
Dear Justice O'Connor,
My hearfelt condolences to you and your family. You have displayed the utmost grace and dignity as you helped your husband through this devastating illness.
May you have peace and savor the memories of the good times, knowing you did everything possible to provide him with the best quality of life.
Robert D Finley
November 11, 2009
Dear Justice O'Connor,
My heartfelt compasion and sympathy to you and your family. My brother is in the late stage of the same difficult and sad disease. I have the utmost respect and admiration for you and how you have handled this tragic event.
November 11, 2009
I was saddened to hear of Mr. O'Connor's passing. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and I felt privileged to know him when he worked in Phoenix in the 1990's.
Teri Coan
November 11, 2009
We lost my mother to Alzheimer's last March and understand at least some of your struggles over these past years. Reading about you and your husband was a great help and inspiration to me as I cared for my mom.
My family and I will keep you in our prayers.
Samuel Louis
November 11, 2009
Thank you and Mrs O'Connor for all your help and assisting me to find the right university. I learned much from you and your family as your neighbor and caring for your children. Your values will live with me forever. THANK YOU
Claire Chiasson
November 11, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you and your family can find some peacue during this difficult time.
Kind regards,
Claire
Alice and Candice LaPrade
November 11, 2009
To the O'Connor family, please accept our sympathy for your loss.
Jacki Oelze
November 11, 2009
Dear Mrs. O'Connor and Family,
All of us who knew you from afar send our love and heartfelt wishes in the loss of John. MANY years ago you were kind enough to see my Dad and my children in Washington D.C.; and they have never forgotten your graciousness. God's love and healing spirit be with you all.
Maritza Hernandez
November 11, 2009
Thank you. The choices you have made explicitly show where your priorities abide. Our thoughts are with you. May you have peace in closure and the satisfaction of having shared a life well lived.
November 11, 2009
My deepest sympathies to your family.
Take care,
Edward
Ramiro y Karolina Pacheco
November 11, 2009
Estimada Jueza Sandra D O'connor,
Tiene usted el sincero pesame por el
fallecimiento de su esposo y companero John. Espero que nuestro senor lo recoja y lo tenga en paraiso mejor en que nos dejo. Que nuestro senor le de fuerza y calma a usted para aceptar lo que es el final para todos nosotros. Que dios la bendiga y viva con todos los recuerdos bonitos que los dos hiceron en sus vidas. Respetosamente sus servidor,
Lorri Carlson
November 11, 2009
My prayers are for you, your family, and dear friends! May the Lord comfort you with His loving presence!
November 11, 2009
Having lost my mother to Alzeimer's in 1983 I know your pain AND relief. Our thoughts are with you.
Janet and Marion Neil
November 11, 2009
Dear Mrs. O'Connor and your family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Know that he's in a better place now and is watching over you all.
"The pain passes, but the beauty remains."
Pierre Auguste Renoir
Kevin Swesey
November 11, 2009
To The O'Connor Family...
Our deepest sympathies from our family to yours. Although we did not know you personally, we knew of your struggle with Alzheimer's disease because our Mother suffered from this horrible disease also. We lost her in March of this year.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may God hold Mr. O'Connor in the palm of his hand for eternity.
God Bless All of You!
The Pansy M. Swesey Family
11/16/1930 to 03/16/2009
Grace Keckeisen
November 11, 2009
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Judge O'Conner. You have been through so much and always stood by your husband despite the demands of your job and service to your country. You have my respect, thanks, and deepest wishes for peace to you in this time.
Paul Self MCSE
November 11, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 11, 2009
I REMEMBER OUR YEARS IN ROTARY. HAD JOHN HELP INNOCULATE MUTTS WHEN I WAS CHAIRMAN OF YOUTH SERVICE MUTT Show. REMEMBER YOU INTERVIEWING FOR MY COMPANY COLLECTION JOB, YOU SURE KNEW WHAT WAS AHEAD OF YOU GOING WITH THE STATE. HUGS CHUCK CANCIK
November 11, 2009
Sorry for you loss. Know he is in the right place now and that is whole once again. God be with you.
November 11, 2009
Sandra, Brian, Scott and Jay-our deepest sympathy to you at this time of your beloved Husband and Fathers passing. Perhaps in heaven all the good memories of his life with you will carry him through eternal peace. Our hearts are with you.
Todd & Susan Hogan
Alcatraz Lock & Security
Russell Skaggs
November 11, 2009
To the O'Connor Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.My Mom, Mary Jo Campbell passed away on Jan 8, 2009 at Huger. I was honored to meet Mom and Dad O'Connor and I have wonderful memory of playing guitar while they "cut a rug." God Bless You,
The Russell Skaggs Family
Kathy O'Reilly
November 11, 2009
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I've missed Mr. O'Connor ever since he left Bryan Cave. I very much enjoyed working for him and will miss his funny stories.
Joan Neill
November 11, 2009
So very sorry for your loss. You did have many years to make great memories. God Bless
Kim Hearn
November 11, 2009
Hon. O'Connor and Family: May you cherish your memories and find peace in your hearts.
Pastor Bob Claycamp
November 11, 2009
Thank you for caring for your husband through that most difficult time. God knows all that you have gone through. I'm sorry for the loss of his presence now in your life.
Sharon & Greg Persinger
November 11, 2009
Dear Justice O'Connor and family,
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you in your time of need!
God Bless and Be With You Always!
Scott Cole
November 11, 2009
Madam Senior Justice O'Connor and Family,
You and your family are a blessing to Arizona and our nation. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 11, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May your memories bring you peace. Glen & Linda Bair
Zwagermans
November 11, 2009
Our thoughts go out to the entire O'Connor family.
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