Waterford - James Murray O'Connor, 90, of Waterford, husband of Marsha Kalil O'Connor, died Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at his home. Mr. O'Connor was retired from the Groton Public School System.

Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Paul Church in Waterford, followed by Interment in St. Mary Cemetery. A full obituary will be published in Monday's edition of The Day.

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Published by The Day on Jun. 22, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James O'Connor

Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home - New London.

35 Entries

Jeanne LeBlanc

July 15, 2025

To Mrs O´Connor, Doreen, Diane & Kristen, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man. I loved growing up in our neighborhood and always seeing him walking. Heaven got a great angel. They are rejoicing. My prayers go out to all of you.
Love, Jeanne LeBlanc & family.

Beth Gigliotti

July 15, 2025

My sincere condolences to the O´Connor family.

Jim Coleman

June 30, 2025

Marsha & family
Gail & I are so sorry for your loss.
Please accept our sincere condolences !
Jim & Gail Coleman

Patti Athenian Tootsie´s daughter

June 27, 2025

I am saddened to hear about Jimmy O´Connor´s passing. As a kid I always looked up to my cousin Jim Buonocore´s good friends, and Jimmy was one of them. We had lots of fun at my Aunt Fe´s house at 658 Bank!! Good days , good memories!! My prayers to his wife and family. God bless you all

Sandy and Tony Niedojadlo

June 26, 2025

GUMPY!!! Always a smile and a story to tell! He was one of those fine fellows who loved his children and grandchildren so deeply. His pride overflowed, as he narrated with that video camera in hand. Hold each other tight. You have so many precious memories to share with one another. Especially thinking of and praying for you, Marsha, as you say goodbye to your life partner. Sending love to you all.

Amanda Dunn

June 25, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mr O'Connor was a wonderful man full of kindness and compassion. I will always cherish the memories of my Claude Chester family.

Michelle Eleazer/ AKA Gaston family

June 25, 2025

My condolences to the O´ Connor family God Bless

Paul Pescatello

June 25, 2025

Dear Kristin, My family and I are so deeply sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful person who touched the lives of so many. May you find strength, peace, and comfort in the memories you shared together as a family. God bless, Paul, Andrea, and Liam Pescatello.

Paul Gruss

June 25, 2025

My condolences to the O´Connor family.

Louise (Stanley) Tyszkiewicz

June 25, 2025

I attended Claude Chester Elementary School as a child, as well as my children. I have fond memories of Mr. O´Connor being a warm and caring Vice-Principal. Rest in Peace.

June Cummings

June 25, 2025

Marsha, Doreen and family, my heart goes out to all of you for your loss. Truly a kind, sweet wonderful man.

Moreene Nahornick

June 25, 2025

Please accept my condolences to the O'Connor family. I knew Jim through Claude Chester. Found him to be a kind man. When my child was injured on the play ground he was especially helpful. May he rest in peace.

Peter McKittrick

June 24, 2025

My condolences to the O'Connor family

Elaine (Stanley) Alexander

June 24, 2025

As a former student at Claude M. Chester Elementary, I can say that Mr. O'Connor was beloved by all for his kind and gentle manner. Heaven has earned another angel.

Terri Doolittle Arsenault

June 24, 2025

I was a student at Claude Chester in the late 60s & 70s. I remember Jim as a teacher. Then after college & I began working at CC then my kids went there in the 90s. He was a vice principal at that time. Such a nice man. Thoughts are with the family

Amy (Leventhal) Hunsinger

June 24, 2025

The Leventhal family sends our deepest condolences to you. We lost Natalie on Saturday. She was 101 years young.

Carla Hughes (Annis)

June 24, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful man. We will love you and miss you always. You always lead by example and at a level all respected and could follow.

Bernie Nasser

June 24, 2025

Marsha and Family:
My condolences on the loss of Jim, one of the great educators in GPS history. Always with a smile and friendly disposition I will remember his dedication to the students of Groton. May your soul rest in peace, my friend!

Laurence and Judy Ramus

June 24, 2025

Our condolences to Marsha and family. Jim was a special person who will missed and fondly remembered. A much respected and liked New London icon.

Deirdre Loftis

June 24, 2025

Mroconnor was a living man of whom my mother Geneva Sebastian loved dearly he will always b remembered and loved

Linda Pershaec Madison VA

June 23, 2025

Marsha, my sincere condolences. Jim was the quintessential educator and role model.

David A. Cook

June 23, 2025

Always had a smile, and loved his students. He had a habit of stepping outside his principal office to join gym class and get some shots in/teach kids. I´ll remember him always as a kind outstanding man

Stacey (Smith) Sebastian

June 23, 2025

"I will always remember him from my days at Claude Chester Elementary. He was a truly amazing principal. His kindness and leadership left a lasting impression. Sending heartfelt prayers to his family during this difficult time."

Michael Shasha

June 23, 2025

Dear Marsha so very sorry to hear of Okies passing.he was a rare gem loved by men and women.

Fred Froscello

June 23, 2025

My condolences and sympathies to the O'Connor Family. May Jimmy rest in peace. Jimmy and I played soft ball together in The Waterford Men's Soft ball league 70's. He was a goodman.

Frank Gaul

June 23, 2025

My condolences, Marsha. My many interactions with Jim over the years-at Kalil /Tuthill get togethers were always fun, upbeat and positive. We had a special bond-but I´d guess that many others felt the same way about Jim. He leaves the great legacy of a wonderful family and many friends.

Alison Gouette

June 23, 2025

Mr. O'Connor was the vice principle at Claude Chester when I was there in the early to mid 90s. I remember him being such a nice person. I remember when he would walk around the lunch room during lunch time and he would tell us to make sure we ate our lunch first and not dessert first. I dont know why that stuck with me but it did. My condolences to his family.

Bob Janovic

June 23, 2025

Marsha, my condolences to you and family.

Devon Bushey

June 23, 2025

To Aunt Marsha, Doreen, Dianne, Kristin and Family,
You all have our deepest prayers and forever loving support.
Uncle Jim will remain an extraordinarily blessed, humorous, wonderful singing partner, and strong role model for so many. He will be greatly missed and forever loved.
Until we meet again Uncle Jim, may God´s embrace hold you and yours closely together in love.
We love you all,
Goddaughter Devon, Stephen, Karena, and Shannon

Aristedes & Evdokia Manthous

June 23, 2025

Jim was a great basketball player and passionate man who cared for people. May his memory be eternal.

Jim Buonocore Jr & Family

June 22, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with Marsha and the O'Connor Family. My father, Jim Buonocore, admired and respected Jim O'Connor. He cherished their friendship and was thankful for Jim's thoughtfulness. I am certain they both will continue to enjoy one another's company. God Bless the O'Connor Family. May Jim Rest in Peace.

Dave Fairman

June 22, 2025

Rest in Peace Jim, a great Basketball player!

Ellen

June 22, 2025

My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family at this time. I remember Jim in the Groton School System. As well as Tom and Bud. God Bless

Carlo & Kerrie Porazzi

June 22, 2025

So long Uncle Jim. Always in our hearts.

Kathie Lewis Cassidy

June 22, 2025

Mrs. O'Connor and Kristen,

I'm so sorry to read this. It was always a pleasure running into Mr. O'Connor. He had a wonderful smile and a warm hello. He and Jimmy will be together again. Thinking of you.

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