John James O’Connor

John James O'Connor died peacefully on February 16, 2023 in Hollywood, Florida
at the age of 76.
He is survived by his English wife of 40 years, Fiona Scott and daughters Ashley (Jon Wells) Shannon and granddaughter Scarlett Rose Wells.
He is preceded in death by his mother Rosaleen Philomena Mulligan (of Ireland) and his father John James O'Connor, Sr. The eldest of 10 children (5 boys & 5 girls) John leaves behind 9 siblings: Patricia & Jim Lane of Arizona, Maureen & Dana DuPont of California, Bobby, Charlie, Kathleen (Jeff Miller), Franny, Danny & Patrick and Rose (Jeff Siggia) of New York, and in England his brother-in-law, David (Denise) Scott and sister-in-law Rosemary (Kevin) Edwards. In addition, there are 20 nieces and nephews in America, 13 great-nephews and 18 grand-nieces - 1 great-grand-nephew and 3 great-grand-nieces. In England 4 nephews and 2 nieces, 4 grand-nephews and 6 grand-nieces.
A Vietnam Veteran who rarely spoke of the horrors of war, he was awarded a Silver Star and a Bronze Star for his valor in combat. He will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
John lived a tumultuous and entertaining life. He was born in Key West, but in John's words he was "captured" at an early age and raised in New York. His love of reading came from his schooling at Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn. His parents then moved to Westchester, where he made many lifelong friends from Scarsdale High School. It was the 60s and a very divided country. John was drafted from California and got swept away to Tigerland in Louisiana for basic training and like many of his generation found himself walking point through the rice fields of Vietnam. At nineteen years old he witnessed the many atrocities of war, but also made friends who he kept in touch with throughout his life.
He returned to Florida to become a Lifeguard in Boca Raton in '78 and made many lifelong friends. A hotel career at the Doral, Pier 66 and the Diplomat with the many conventions, stars, etc. is a story unto itself. Living many years on Hollywood Beach with his wife Fiona, he always had sand in his shoes, a cold beer in his hand and a smoke between the two. They hosted many parties and gatherings amongst the palm trees and by the Atlantic Ocean, entertaining world-wide friends and relatives, he touched the hearts of so many people.
His greatest accomplishments were acting with his daughters in many Shakespeare Festivals in Hollywood, FL. He portrayed Lord Montague in Romeo and Juliet, host of the garter in Merry Wives of Windsor, the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz with his daughters, and Father Mark in Tony 'n Tina's Wedding at the Broward Center. Also, he played various characters in Murder Mystery theatre and on the Tri-Rail train Murder on the Tropical Express. In addition, he also dressed up as PBS life size cartoon characters Arthur the Aardvark and Clifford the Big Red Dog at the many events WPBT – South Florida PBS had.
A comedic story John loved to tell was putting the Clifford costume on backwards where the tail was wagging in the front. One of his many careers was as an Improv Comedy Traffic School instructor with his daughter as the assistant "The Great Shandini." John was a vivacious, funny guy and always the life of the party. He loved to test his luck and his impeccable timing of his many winnings were accompanied by humorous stories that left a resounding impression on all who heard his tales.
Please raise a glass and toast to a life well lived. We will have a Celebration of Life on Hollywood Beach at a later date.