Matthew Thomas O'Connor

Matthew Thomas O'Connor, age 76, passed away on April 19, 2024. He was born on January 6, 1948, in Staten Island, New York. Matt married his beloved Pat on May 13, 1973, and they then settled in Navesink, NJ.

Growing up on Staten Island, Matt found his love of learning and working with construction equipment alongside his father and brothers. He earned his B.A. in Business Administration from St. John's University. Known for his skills running many types of heavy construction equipment, he was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers' Local 15 for 50 years. Matt worked throughout New York and made significant contributions to places such as the Holland Tunnel, South Street Seaport, and the World Trade Center.

Known for his humor and positive outlook, Matt had a strong work ethic and enjoyed working with his hands, whether fixing cars, tending to his yard, or caring for his pool. He cherished time with his family and took great pride in his 11 grandchildren.

Matt is the devoted husband of 51 years to Pat and the loving father of daughter Carolyn and her husband Sean Garrett, son Matthew O'Connor, daughter Erin and her husband Chris Giovanni, and daughter Tricia and her husband James Sorrenti. Matt is the adored PopPop of Kelsey, Caitlin, Caroline, Connor, Jack, Colin, Aidan, Avery, Dylan, Kendall, and Drew.

Matt is survived by his brother Jimmy and wife Brenda, brother John and wife Liz, sister Loretta and husband Jim, and brother-in-law Kerry Ronne.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Loretta, and sister Alice.

Matt, with his loving Pat by his side, bravely fought many health challenges, including a long term illness with cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, Matt passed away peacefully.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 23rd, from 4-8pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown, NJ. A funeral mass will be offered on Wednesday, April 24th, at 10am at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 103 Center Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Red Bank, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the MDS Foundation (www.mds-foundation.org) would be greatly appreciated.