Harry L. O'Connor

Harry O'Connor Obituary

O'Connor, Harry L.
Died suddenly in Prague, Czech Republic on April 4, 2002, doing what he loved most, movie stunt work. Harry was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 28, 1957. Since age 15 Harry was actively involved in skydiving. After high school, he joined the Navy where he spent 20 distinguished years as a member of the Navy SEALs, and the Navy parachute team, the Leap Frogs. When he retired from the Navy at the rank of Master Chief, Harry's love of skydiving lead him to stay in California and pursue a career in movie stunt work. Harry worked on movies such as "Drop Zone", "Titanic", "Air Force One", "Charlie's Angels", and many more. Harry is deeply missed by his wife, Gemmalyn, and his two daughters Hayley and Hanna and mother-in-law, Nora. He is also missed by his family now living in Hudson, Florida, his parents, Harry and Pauline O'Connor, sisters Patricia (Steven) Ryan, Tammie (Vincent) Moran, brothers Kevin (Roxanne) O'Connor and Michael (Sandy) O'Connor, and his sisters still in Michigan, Robin (Paul) Pointer and Kristy (Stewart) Ireland, sister-in-law Zorenda (Danny) Ewing of Texas. Harry is also deeply missed by many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends all over the world. On Saturday, April 13th, a military service will be held at NAB Theater, Coronado, CA at 10:00 AM. Access to the Navy Amphibious Base will be provided for all non-military guests. On Saturday, April 27th, an honorary skydiving festival will be held at the Drop Zone in Perris Valley, CA, and that evening a Celebration of Life will be held nearby, with details to be released later. This festive event is intended to unite his family with his friends and colleagues from the US Navy, the skydiving community, the entertainment industry and all other that knew and loved Harry. RSVP's to [email protected] would be appreciated, and allow more details to be forwarded. A trust account is being established at Washington Mutual Bank, 2955 Rancho Santa Fe Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069 in the name of the Harry O'Connor Memorial Fund to assist Harry's wife Gemma and his two infant daughters. Your thoughts and prayers are appre-ciated. Allen Brothers Mortuary-San Marcos Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Apr. 10, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry O'Connor

7 Entries

Robin Berg

March 23, 2025

Larger than life Harry was the ultimate Naval Special Forces and EOD Operator and Stunt coordinator.
Rest in peace will just not work for him, he is no doubt charging up mountains and pushing all of the limits, God... I am sure holds him in a special place.

Craig Buck

April 24, 2024

I trined Harry in 1977 at Miramar on radios and worked out with him at the Miramar gym.

Ben Wiggins

October 19, 2022

I wish I had the opportunity to attend this celebration of life, albeit much too late. But it´s worth mentioning that Harry taught me square parachute transition in the Navy at Dillingham Hawaii. He was a great guy and although I knew them very briefly, he was a consummate, professional RIP brother.

Craig Buck US Navy

April 26, 2022

Harry was GREAT I trained him at NAS Miramar in 1977
on walkie-talkie radios. We lifted weights together at Miramar also.

Donnie Littlepage

April 14, 2022

Wow,so sorry to hear about this. Harry was a one of a kind person and a wonderful man.

Janice Scally (Rodenbach)

April 13, 2002

I remember Harry following me around alot - I know he had a crush on me but I was just a friend. He was such a nice person and when he moved away he would travel back to see my parents and let them know what was happening in his life. He sure did have a full one - it is such a shame something like this has to happen. I lived down the street from him and his family on Elmdale in Detroit. I know he will be terribly missed, although I have not seen him in over 25 years (since graduation), but as I said he did speak with my parents so I knew what was going on, there is a place in my heart that has an empty spot now. We were good friends and I wish all the best to his wife and daughters & also to all of his immediate family. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.

Rocky Rodenbach

April 12, 2002

I remember Harry from when I was a kid. He lived a few houses down from me in Detroit. I remember before he went in the Navy, he gave me a diving watch. Sadly, I'm not sure what ever happened to it? He really was a great guy, not much more needs to be said.

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