John Patrick O’Connor

John Patrick O'Connor was born on April 15, 1933 in the middle of the Great Depression to Lee and Leona O'Connor in Council Bluffs, Iowa. His family moved many times during his young life, as his father was a carpenter and moved where there was work. Lee was often away for months at a time while young John was at home with his mother. After finally settling in Hayward, John met his lifelong friend, Ron Speer. The two of them loved to play basketball together. Ron liked to play at John's house growing up because Lee laid three slabs of concrete for the boys to play on. Otherwise, they had to play on the gravel at Ron's house. After graduating from Hayward High School in 1951, John joined the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi and was later stationed in Japan. From 1952-1956 John served honorably as an air traffic controller during the Korean War, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his time in the service, he enrolled at California State University, San Jose and pursued his degree in Mathematics. His first teaching job was at James Logan High School. John spent his first summer vacation in Europe traveling through England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Belgium. He bought a Volkswagen Bug and had it shipped home to the U.S. He enjoyed sharing stories of that trip. During this stage of life, John's adventurous spirit led him to acquire his private pilot's license and, for a short time, flew his own decommissioned U.S. postal plane for fun.

It was on the steps of the Newman Catholic Center at San Jose State in 1957, where a young Mary Lassalle first noticed John. She made sure to sit next to him on the trip to the Sierras. The rest, you might say, is history as she has been sitting alongside him ever since. On April 4, 1964, John and Mary were married at St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church in San Leandro and settled in their forever home in Union City, California. That summer the two of them traveled to Eugene for a summer program as John worked diligently to complete his Master's Degree in Mathematics at the University of Oregon. His second teaching job was at Mission San Jose High School where he taught for several years. John spent the majority of his 38 years teaching advanced mathematics at Ohlone College in Fremont. Throughout his professional career and beyond, John's dedication and passion for teaching supported thousands of students.

Despite John's numerous professional accomplishments, nothing was a higher priority for him than being a great husband and father. With humility and sacrifice, Dad tirelessly served his family. For years he spent every Friday afternoon setting up tables and chairs for Our Lady of the Rosary's Bingo Nights. He would then return late at night to the smoky hall to put them all away. Additionally, he mowed the lawn in front of the school office on weekends to offset the tuition costs of his children's education. Mom and Dad also sent each of their five children to Moreau High School in Hayward, as continuing their children's Catholic education was so important to them. He coached CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) track and field for well over a decade, sat in the sweaty mat rooms for all day wrestling tournaments, cheered from the bleachers for basketball games, attended high school track meets and cross country meets for all of his children. In fact, Dad made almost every sporting event without fail. If he wasn't at a sporting event for one of his children, it was because he literally couldn't be in two places at the same time. The lives of his children were truly a priority.

Throughout his adult life, along with supporting his family, John's many passions included gardening (there is nothing better than biting into a homegrown fresh tomato), cultivating numerous fruit trees, growing the most amazing roses, and making his famous Papa's Pickles. He loved playing basketball in the driveway with his children and whomever showed up from the neighborhood. Dad was ALWAYS up for a game of hoops. Dad and Mom enjoyed traveling to theme parks, National Parks, and abroad with their children and grandchildren, watching plays, recitals, and sporting events for their grandchildren. Dad rooted for the 49ers, Raiders, Giants, A's, Celtics, Warriors, and really whatever team was enjoyable to watch at the time. He ran in the hills of Garin Park behind our home, enjoyed the comics and solving all of the puzzles in the daily newspaper, and shared jokes along with his generally hilarious off the cuff witty comments. Dad and Mom attended Mass every Sunday. The only time he ever sped was if he thought the family was going to be late for church (we were never late). Dad loved to read, cook, learn new languages, test his knowledge against the contestants on Jeopardy, and take walks with his sweet Mary.

Dad's life was truly one dedicated to the service of others. His incredible intellect and wisdom were assets to his family throughout their schooling. He was the proud father of five college graduates. There were many late nights at the kitchen table, where we would come to Dad for help with our homework. He would never just give us the answer, but would teach us how to think and solve the problem on our own. Of course, we all hated this at the time. Later in life, it became phone calls to Grandpa about math homework. Dad would even have the neighborhood kids come over when they needed help; he never turned anyone away. Throughout the years, the O'Connor family has had their fair share of health concerns. Dad and Mom were consistently there to support us and our families, and would drop everything at a moment's notice when needed. Dad has always had an adventurous spirit. He loved to travel and see the world. However, more often than not, he put his personal aspirations to the side because he had obligations to uphold. For the past 23 years, every Tuesday, Dad would deliver Meals on Wheels to those in need. If ever he was invited for an extended trip, he was sure to make certain that his Tuesday shift would be covered first. We would often joke about how he would serve meals to the "old folks" when he was, by far, older than any of his clients. That never mattered to him though. Dad would always speak with compassion about the struggles of those he served. He was also a generous donor to St. Clement's Parish, the Saint Vincent De Paul Society, numerous other Catholic charities, and organizations he felt called to support.

For the past five months, John battled lung cancer that had been growing undetected for quite some time. His late diagnosis overtook him relatively quickly. During this most difficult time, he continued with his amazing sense of humor and wit. Caring for his wife Mary was his primary focus as he shared before one of his procedures, "I need to be here to take care of her!" Just as he had always taken care of all of us, his family promised him that WE will take care of her. On February 1, 2026, just about two months before their 62nd wedding anniversary, John was called to Heaven. He was truly an example for all to follow. He epitomized humility, integrity, honesty, and service to others. He was absolutely the toughest man who never boasted. He had unshakable faith; his moral compass was always his guide and was pivotal in the formation of his children. Words will never express the deep sadness felt by those who knew him well. It is truly fitting that on the Sunday he passed, the Gospel reading was of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount where He gave His disciples the Beatitudes. John's beautiful life was truly an example of how to be a servant of God by serving others. Heaven's doors were opened wide as he was called home.

John Patrick O'Connor, husband, Dad, Grandpa, Grand-père, Papa John, Great Grandpa, until we meet again, you will be greatly missed. To know you was to love you. We love you!

John is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years Mary Christine (Lassalle) O'Connor
His children: Timothy O'Connor (Lori), Daniel O'Connor, Carrie Canalas (Robert II), Michael O'Connor (Melanie), Colleen Neves (Alvaro)

His fifteen grandchildren: Ashley Carattini, Rachel O'Connor (John), Amy O'Connor, Troy O'Connor (Tristin), Daniel O'Connor Jr., Robert Canalas III, Sebastian Neves, Gannon O'Connor, Timothy Canalas, Gracie Neves, Mary Neves, Lily Canalas, Marciano Neves, Lucy O'Connor, Lucia Neves

His four great grandchildren: Sophia O'Connor, Oliver Carattini, Elijah Carattini, Finley O'Connor
And numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

John's services will be as follows:
Monday, February 23rd, at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery & Funeral Center - St. Michael chapel, 1051 Harder Road, Hayward, CA
4:00pm-6:00pm Visitation
6:00pm-6:45pm Vigil
6:45pm-8:00pm Rosary, Video, and personal sharing

Tuesday, February 24th, at St. Clement's Parish, 750 Calhoun Street, Hayward, CA
11:00am Funeral Mass
12:15pm-12:45pm Graveside memorial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery - Our Lady of Guadalupe, 26320 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA

Reception at Buon Appetito Restaurant following graveside memorial
917 A Street, Hayward, CA

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to Meals on Wheels of Fremont, 3300 Capitol Ave. Fremont, CA 94538 (also on-line)