John T. O’Connor

John Thomas O'Connor, 64, passed on April 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. John dedicated his life to his three boys, his wife, his family and his many friends. He was a patron of education, a mentor to young colleagues, and a generous father.
John was born on October 27, 1960, in Long Island, NY, to John ("Jack") and Gracia O'Connor. The family, including his younger sister Gracia and older brother, David, moved to Ramey Air Force base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, where John recalled watching B-52 bombers take off and land on the elevated runway. In the winter of 1969, the O'Connor family moved to Lavalette, NJ to be close to John's grandparents. Lavalette would continue to hold a special place in John's heart for the rest of his life. The family later moved to Treasure Island, FL, where John and his brother could be found playing Little League together.
After High School at Admiral Farragut Academy, John eventually made his way north, attending Gettysburg College, where he met the future mother of his three sons, Charlene Christie (nee Milke). Following his graduation with honors, John attended the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University to pursue a law degree, where in 1986 he graduated first in his class. John started his legal career as an M&A attorney at the international law firm Milbank LLP in 1988, where he became a partner and spent 20 years building the M&A practice. John continued his career at Hunton Andrews Kurth for 13 years before retiring in April 2024. Throughout his career, John helped to mentor countless young attorneys as they navigated their own paths.
On May 3rd, 2023, John married the love of his life, Marina Andguladze in true Vegas style-at a little white chapel, just the two of them, no fuss, no audience, but it was perfect for them-private, a little rebellious, and full of love. Despite their busy lives and full schedules, the two made it a priority to travel whenever they could-exploring the charm and history of Rome, the beauty of Naples (both in Italy and Florida), and escaping to the Caribbean for moments of rest and joy.
Together, they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and love, calling both White Plains, NY, and Stamford, CT home. Through Marina, John's heart expanded even more as he became a proud stepfather to Lasha and Salome, and a joyful grandfather to Sandro and Kote,and granddaughter Anastasia. Completing the big, beautiful family he had always dreamed of.
John had a deep love for the beach and ocean from his time in Puerto Rico, Florida, and most importantly, Lavalette. His fondest memories were his summers with his family and friends at his family home on the bay. John maintained that family home, which he rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy. He loved nothing more than spending time on the balcony looking over the bay with his loved ones, and their dogs.
A high-achiever in all aspects of life John was an avid athlete. When he was young he surfed, sailed, played tennis, basketball, and football. He passed down his love of sports to his sons who fondly remember being pushed into waves on yellowed surfboards, trying to return his baseline forehand, and the three-man fully padded football practices he held on Sundays at the field by their childhood home. Later in his life he could be found on the golf courses of Scarsdale Golf Club, Pound Ridge, and Leewood where he kept the caddies and the grounds crews busy.
John served on the board of Trustees at both Gettysburg College and Pace University. As an outspoken man of principle he was known for always 'telling it like it is,' and was never afraid to voice dissenting opinions. He served both institutions with the utmost charity and willingness to help students and alumni alike. Networking was one of his favorite activities and there are an immeasurable number of relationships that were forged through John's hands.
John was uniformly known as someone who had directed his many life experiences toward helping others. He was always there to support his family and friends. Nothing was more important to John than making sure his three boys and their growing families were cared for and doing well, including his young grandson for whom he had immense love and admiration. John showed unwavering love and commitment to his brother and sister throughout his life.
John is survived by his wife Marina, his three sons Charlie (Alexa), Jay (Tori), Ted (Erin), his sister Gracia (Denise), his niece's Journey and Lindsay, his nephews Ryan and Colin, and his grandson Callum.
John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Gracia, and his brother, David.
John's family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to friends and family members who have offered support during this time. A viewing will take place on Tuesday, April 29th, at Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home in Bronxville, NY, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A service of remembrance will be at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's memory to the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
Calling Hours: 3 to 7 pm, Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Remembrance Service will begin at 6 pm
In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made in John's memory to the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University