Brian J. O'Connor

Brian James O'Connor, 70, of West Hartford, passed away on September 7, 2023 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and brother.

Brian was born on July 17, 1953 to Mary (O'Brien) O'Connor and James O'Connor in Dumont, New Jersey. He grew up in nearby River Vale, and he was the much-adored younger brother of three sisters: Maureen, Colleen, and Carol. After Brian graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Montvale in 1971, he worked in a number of restaurants, specifically in the pastry arts, and went on to study Hospitality Management at Cornell University. However, as an avid lover of books, Brian decided to switch his major and study English Literature at Ramapo College of New Jersey for his bachelor's degree, and later New York University for his master's degree. Brian was a gifted writer, penning a variety of clever and humorous short stories in his creative writing classes.

Brian used his talent for writing throughout his career, working in publishing at Prentice Hall in New Jersey, then becoming a Creative Director at Pergamon Press in New York. He then started his career as a Marketing Director at National Liberty Insurance in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. After he and his family moved to Connecticut in 1998, Brian became a Marketing Director at The Hartford, where he made various advertisements for magazines, television, and newspapers. His children loved seeing the ads and commercials their dad created.

Brian met Kathleen while working at Pergamon Press, and they married in 1985. They went on to have two children, Nicholas and Bridget, whom Brian loved more than anything in the world. Of all his roles in life, being a dad was his favorite.

Brian had a passion for good stories, and he always enjoyed reading the latest Stephen King novel. He loved taking long walks in all kinds of weather while listening to his favorite classic rock music (especially The Beatles). He had a fondness for animals, the Boston Red Sox, and world history. Brian took great joy in spending every Sunday with his children, Nick and Bridget, son-in-law Ryan, and new granddaughter, Claire (his "Claire Bear"). He will be remembered as an extraordinarily caring, thoughtful soul who always focused on the bright side of life, despite the challenges he faced.

Brian was predeceased by his mother Mary, father James, and sister Carol O'Connor. He is survived by his former wife Kathleen (Carey) O'Connor and their children, Nicholas O'Connor and Bridget (O'Connor) Kayan, son-in-law Ryan Kayan, granddaughter Claire Kayan, sisters Maureen (O'Connor) Kilar and Colleen (O'Connor) Coco, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A celebration of Brian's life will be scheduled for October. Details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the PBS Foundation or the UConn Foundation. The Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, has care of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com