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Joseph M. "Okie" O'CONNOR
Joseph M. "Okie" O'CONNOR
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Joseph O'CONNOR Obituary
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janice franzino
April 19, 2021
Miss you Joe, you were a great guy, great friend, and always missed, Jan
Eileen, Dan, Bridget and Colleen
May 15, 2013
Dear Moey, Peggy, Terri, and
all the Oakleys and O'Connors,
May the outpouring of love and hugs from your family and friends help you get through this very difficult time. The many, many stories and wonderful memories of Joe will be shared over and over again and his warm smile will always be with us.
I will never forget flying home with Joe on the old “People Express Airlines” one night before Christmas years ago. When arriving in Bflo we decided to stop at The Shannon Pub at the old Airways Hotel. We ordered some wings and some beer and talked and laughed and caught up on stories about our wonderful families. The time flew by and all of a sudden it was 3:30am -- Joe suggested we phone Moey for a ride home! We both knew that we could wake Moey in the middle of the night and she would come to our rescue without hesitating. But we decided to let her sleep and called an Airport Taxi instead.
We know that your Mom and Dad and Kevin along with some of the best of the West Side Rowing Club men were
at heaven's gate to greet Joe when he arrived. Heaven's gain is surely our loss. Our deepest sympathies are with you all, along with many prayers to help you get through each day.
Much love,
May 13, 2013
Okie was a dude (btw he hated being called "dude" and would point to his tatoo that spelled "O-K-I-E", then he woud say it again - "My name's not 'Dude' it's "OKIE", "OKIE!") He's the top of the list of mentors I've have been blessed to have ever had - as much as a big brother as a coach. I can say I am proud to say I am more like him than I would ever care to admit (and it's because there was always a point to his enthusiasm). I've gained all the "worldly" degrees I can, but to be able to say I knew Okie is one of which I am most proud. Few things bother me, but knowing Okie is not still making so many better people is one of them....
(86-90 UofM)
May 11, 2013
The Oak and I became pals when he lived and coached at Cornell in Ithaca. We used to cycle together..He would stop by my nightclub late a night and we would make a plan to ride the next morning. If we agreed to 8 am, he would be there at 7:30, raring to go, and then we would go out and he would just hammer. Never heard an unkind word out of his mouth and he was always a positive guy. Oakie, you made a difference! We will ride together again.
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Mike Kutell
May 9, 2013
Okie was the U.M. Coach; but he was also a great friend to all of us members in the Miami Beach R.C. He helped many of us and also was the soul of the Club when we first began. So sad..
May 8, 2013
Moe so sorry to hear about your brothers passing. If there is anything at all I can do please let me know.
Darcy Milligan
May 7, 2013
I knew Joe for many years. We dated on and off when we both lived in Miami Beach. I am so saddedned by this. He was a great guy. I had an intense dream about him last night and decided to google his name and see how he was and where he was. And, then I found out what happened. You will always be missed Joe and never forgotten. Love, Jan ps, i was one of the few who called him "joe"
Pat Dulian
May 6, 2013
Joe it was great to know you, the South Buffalo days will be some great memories. You will be missed, God Bless
Iliya Beylin
May 5, 2013
Okie was my coach at UM from 1991-1995. He left a huge impact on my life. His competitive spirit and passion for the sport were contagious. He was a great coach and inspiration not only in sports but in life. I am honored to have rowed under him. I will always have fond memories of him.
David Miller
May 5, 2013
Thank you for teaching me that the only limits that bind me are of my own creation. Your coaching and visualization techniques keep me always strong through the finish. Thank you Okie!
April 30, 2013
Okie and I were friends in Miami and some of my most memorable times were spent with him. Only got to see him once since his move to Arizona but have many fond memories. My sympathies to Teri and the family. Margy Wilkoff
D Kane
April 30, 2013
Moe, Peggy & Terri:
It's been years and years, but I have never forgotten your great family and my friendship with your brother Joey. He was very special. We are all so sorry.
D and all the Kanes
Craig Holch
April 29, 2013
Okie was my first rowing coach at BU. He was a tough and passionate mentor and always expected us to do our best and go beyond what we thought was possible. I feel I am a better man for knowing him. Thank you Okie for all the life lessons you taught me. You will be missed by many.
Frank & Donna Militello
April 29, 2013
Our most sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. He passed away while doing what he enjoyed most. May you find comfort in the support and love of your family and friends during this difficult time.
Anthony and Michelle Martinez
April 29, 2013
Joe was our next door neighbor. We will miss seeing you riding your bike around the neighborhood.
Vince Lonergan
April 28, 2013
Moey & Family,
I am sorry to learn of Joey's passing. He was a nice guy. I enjoyed his company; he was bright and had a good sense of humor. I spent a memorable time with Joey and Lou Mustillo in Boston when Joey was the rowing coach at Boston University. May he rest in peace.
Alexandra G
April 27, 2013
As a member of the TTLR community, I remember Okie's speeches in the early morning hours before we all set out on the water. Okie delivered his news and information with such passion that it was inspirational. He had a great vision for our future. He was so focused on the safety of others and on our boating equipment that he temporarily lost sight of his own safety. His loss hit us hard.
We miss you.
paul bennewitz
April 27, 2013
good bless the dock master okie he was a great man to all special olympic athletes.
Lynn Ducey
April 27, 2013
Okie led by doing. I will miss his quiet strength and patience. He was a kind, kind soul. God needed a crew and he picked the right man to lead it. I will miss him.
Lynn Ducey - sometime Tempe Town Lake rower.
Anne Courtney Paulisczak
April 27, 2013
Moey and family
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Anne Courtney Pauliscaak
April 27, 2013
Moey, Peggy and Terri:
I was shocked to hear about your brother Okie. It just reinforces the fact that life is fragile. I had not talked to Okie in a years but based on all the photos and the out pouring of friends it appears he was living his dream and bringing happiness to everyone. The world as lost a great one. Sincerely Reef
Proud of his catch!
Deb Nastro
April 26, 2013
Okie, May you be at peace and know you touched the lives of many . . . on and off the water!
Barbara King
April 26, 2013
Moey & Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My thoughts are with you.
Charlie Flynn
April 26, 2013
Moey, Peggy and Terri,
So sorry for your loss, we all loved Joey! The rowing community has lost a star nationwide! Everywhere Joey went he made an impact and will be missed.
April 26, 2013
Moey - We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and condolences are with you and your family.
Charlie and Mary Moore
Charlie Flynn
April 25, 2013
Moey, Peggy and Terri,
Your loss is a loss to Buffalo and the entire rowing community nationwide! Joey brought us all up and we will miss him so much! God Bless Joey!
Susan Calderone
April 25, 2013
Dear friend, thank you for being such a motivational force always. Only you could be both inspirational and infuriating at the same time. Australia and Yellowstone were interesting trips and I will miss you along with countless others. We will carry on your good "juju".
DAVID Trond
April 25, 2013
Okie... Ol' Man.
We'll miss you my friend.
You were one of a kind!
Godspeed to you and thoughts & prayers for your family...
Louis Mustillo
April 25, 2013
To all the O'connor Family, I'm so sorry to hear the news of Joe's passing. He was a great guy who I shared many heartfelt talks along with many laughs . I will always remember him fondly.My thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Lou Mustillo
April 25, 2013
We will all miss you Okie. RIP.
Sometime Tempe Town Lake Rower Chris Schene
April 25, 2013
Moey - So very sorry to learn of the loss of your brother. Deepest condolences to your family and you during this time. In sympathy, Anne Marie Kuwik
Joel Adams
April 25, 2013
Having the blessing of being in Okie's first freshman crew at Boston University (79-80) I recognize his imprint on my life still. I'm sure he's been a force in the lives of countless others and that they too remember his efforts on their behalf. Well done Okie and thank you!
Joe Wright
April 25, 2013
Sorry for your loss.
Peter Thomas
April 25, 2013
Okie brought an intensity and love of rowing that was unmatched. He taught and inspired many rowers to go beyond what they thought possible. I am sorry he is gone.
Louise Navarro
April 25, 2013
Ecclesiates 3:1
There is a time fo everything, and a season for every activity under heaven....we are never prepared when our loved ones leave us. To Okie's family and many friends I feel your sadness along with mine but remembering he died doing what he loved most; being on the water. Thanks, Okie, for all you did for all of us at TTL.
Patty and Doc Doctor
April 25, 2013
Moey and family,
I always had fun with Joey in our days in Ca. He even got me an EMT badge so I could hang out with him in the Olympic Village in Lake Casitas in 84. So sorry for your loss.
Patty and Doc
Stephan Bub
April 25, 2013
Okie was the freshmen coach at BU when I got to know him. He was a fun loving, one of a kind, unique person. He left way to early.
Julie Busskohl
April 25, 2013
I remember sitting with Okie at the Crew Classic in San Diego discussing his vision to start a group on the lake to host the regattas and support all of the rowing clubs. It was his vision that created the TRA. I hope that he knew how much he did for the rowing community and how much we all loved and respected him.
Margaret & Jim Keane
April 25, 2013
Moey & Family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Please know you are all in our thoughts & prayers
Kurt Cusanovich
April 24, 2013
He was one of the first people to welcome me to rowing. Thank you Okie!
Dorothy McGuinness
April 24, 2013
Okie, thank you for all of your tireless effort with activities on the lake.Rowing has become a big part of my life and I know you were the champion for boating on Tempe Town Lake.We will miss you immensely!
Charles Flynn
April 24, 2013
God Bless you Joey, I know you are in heaven, you did a great job on earth!
Charlie Flynn
Tonawanda, NY
Erin Benson
April 24, 2013
Okie was passionate about what he did and his passion was contagious. We all learned a lot from him in a short time and he is greatly missed. It was a beautiful sight to see everyone honoring him last night on TTL. He touched a lot of people.
Janet NA LEO
April 24, 2013
I will miss your vibrant spirit and dedication to TTL and all of our water sports. The paddling memorial last night was a beautiful sight and I know that you were there watching all us. We will miss you so very much Okie, and I can feel that the energy at the lake is so different now.
Please continue to watch over us all.
We Love you Okie!
Ange Girolamo
April 24, 2013
Joey,
A Great Person & Friend from Buffalo, NY. Sorry to hear this news, was dedicated in everything he did, most of all had a great sense of humor and lived his life with a purpose. I send my heart felt sympathy to the O'Connor Family.
St Thomas Aquinas (South Buffalo, NY)
Andrew Ching
April 24, 2013
Okie was such an important part of everything that happened at Town Lake. He will be missed by all of his colleagues and co-workers at the City of Tempe. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Barbie McLaren
April 24, 2013
Okie, I'm so saddened our getting to know one another was abruptly cut short. In the little time I knew you, it was evident how special you truly are. You are a great mentor/coach and your passion for helping others shines. You genuinely care about people and their success at doing what you love; and therefore take personal interest in others. Thank you for caring and sharing. You truly touched many people's lives and you have been imprinted in their hearts, minds, and souls.
You will be missed tremendously.
Linda White Wolf
April 24, 2013
Okie you were the water and you became one with the water.......love you
Marisa Singpradith
April 24, 2013
Okie I sure am gonna miss you. I am saddened that I will not be at your service this weekend. We paddled out tonight for you because that is how impactful you were to each one of us. It was beautiful. I would have brought you a beer instead of flowers but alcohol is not allowed at the lake (that's what you tell us). We love you!! We know you will always be looking out for us like you always do.
Stephanie
April 23, 2013
Okie gave me the idea to try rowing with ASU... It resulted in one of the best years of my life and a love for rowing. I'm just one of many you inspired. Thank you.
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