Rev. John F. O'Connor

1949 - 2021

Reverend John F. O'Connor, August 29, 1949 - January 30, 2021. If you are reading this obituary, then you know I have died and hopefully have joined Jesus in Heaven! I had a good life blessed with a loving but dysfunctional family like many of you. We had tough financial times growing up, but we got through them and have many happy memories to offset the painful times. Life got better as we children grew older, and ultimately my parents, Eleanor (also called Midge and Moosie) and John Jr. (Jack to many), provided us with the most important thing at the end of their lives: their love. Reggie, Dawn, Robert, Gerald, and Marylou are my siblings who predeceased me. Each of their deaths brought much sorrow, but also relief that their dying finally brought them peace and a trip to Heaven for sure. Dolores, Helen, and Susan are my remaining sisters. I have many nieces and nephews: Tina, Julie, Jennifer, and Dawnajean, just to name a few who have been an important part of my life. Grandnieces and grandnephews: Connor, Gillian, Emma, and Abby, who I love and pray will make this a better world and remain faithful to their beliefs no matter what higher power or God they profess faith in. I lived my priesthood formally for ten years and then took it in a new direction that I have followed for many years, always with the goal of demonstrating my faith in Jesus through the life I lived. I hope I have made a difference in people's lives in a positive way. Do not let any institutional church stand in the way of your faith! I stumbled many times and faced many demons. Without my faith in Jesus and his forgiveness and grace, I would not have survived as long as I did. I also would not have been able to live out my faith without the love, forgiveness, and support of my family and so many dear friends. I have a "good problem" in thanking those who have been in my life and career. I have so many there wouldn't be enough room to list them all! Lifelong friends to name a few: Mike and Quincey, Linda G., Mary H., Scott, John, Raymond, Pamela, Tina G., Carol, Linda B., Audrey, and Chris G. My co-workers from DMHAS, CT Valley Hospital, and Bank of America (Phoenix/Hartford). The Franciscans and community of St. Patrick/Anthony Church, All Saints Church in Phoenix, and the people I served with in the Archdiocese of Hartford and the Diocese of Erie. A special thanks to Dr. Rawad Elias and his team at Hartford Cancer Institute for their kindness and support to me through this journey. My Facebook friends, my Christmas card friends… see what I mean, I am stopping now! I thank all of you who have been by my side and have helped mold me into the person I am. I love you, but more importantly God loves you and I hope you know what a gift you are to Him and me. I was blessed with four wonderful companions: my boy Boxers, Beaujolais St. John and Louis Jadot, and my two little girl Boston Terriers, Gabby (who is with the boys waiting for me) and Isabella who I leave behind only to see her again when she crosses the Rainbow Bridge and joins us. I say goodbye for now until we meet again. I hope all of you can help make this a better country and world. Fight for equality for all humans. Fight against racism, bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, and all forms of discrimination. Take on the fight to save our world from the disasters we have created by destroying our precious Earth. Fight for the rule of law and the democratic principles our country was founded on. Be a unifier, not a divider. Love one another, keep a good sense of humor, and don't take yourselves too seriously. Hugs and love, Father O'Connor (a/k/a JFOC III, Gardener, and Rip.) A note from John's niece Tina: I would especially like to thank Julie, David, Mike, Quincey, and Carol for taking time out of their lives to get my uncle to his endless appointments, as well as do his wash and his shopping. But more than that, you gave my uncle the ability to stay in his home during this long illness and spend time with his beloved dog Isabella. I know he is so grateful to all of you for giving him that opportunity. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday (May 22) at 10:00am in St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St., Hartford, CT. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc., www.ahernfuneralhome.com.