Rev. Neil D. O'Connor

It is with profound sadness yet abiding love that we announce the passing of Rev. Neil D. O'Connor, a cherished leader, devoted son, and deeply compassionate friend to all who knew him. Father Neil, age 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Southwest Residential Hospice in Strongsville, after leading a life dedicated to his faith, education, and family.
Born the eldest of seven children to Patrick O'Connor and Margaret Mary (nee Dennehy), a proud Irish immigrant who carried her heritage and values to America, Father Neil embodied the resilience, kindness, and humor that are the hallmarks of his Irish roots. He grew up in North Ridgeville, where he attended St. Peter School before going on to Elyria Catholic High School. With a devotion to service and love for community, he followed a calling that led him to become a guiding light for so many.
Father Neil dedicated his entire life to service. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Borromeo College of Ohio; he went on to receive a Bachelor of Theology from Catholic University of America, and a Master of Arts from John Carroll University. He was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood on May 31, 1969, for the Diocese of Cleveland, and served faithfully for well over 48 years, assisting other parishes even after his retirement.
Father served as Parochial Vicar at Assumption of Mary Parish in Brook Park from 1969 to 1975; he served as Chaplain at Cleveland Central High School from 1975 to 1980 as well as Chaplain of Carmel of the Holy Family from 1975 through1992. He became the Principal of Cleveland Central Catholic High School in 1980 and served there until 1992. It was there where his compassion and dedication shaped the lives of countless students, faculty members and staff. With each passing year, he was known for his remarkable ability to inspire, mentor, and foster community grounded in faith, integrity, and a love of learning. Students and colleagues alike, saw him not only as a mentor but as a beloved friend and confidant--always there to lend a listening ear, an encouraging word, or a comforting smile.
Father Neil was appointed Pastor of Saint Columbkille Parish in Parma, and he served there from 1992 until he retired in November of 2017. It was at that parish that he led with a spirit of openness and empathy, welcoming everyone with warmth and grace, especially those most in need. Parishioners often remarked how he brought peace and comfort into their lives. His impact was felt far beyond the walls of the church and the limits of the parish. Through his carefully crafted homilies, his community outreach, and his simple heartfelt handshake, Father Neil offered light and hope to all those who crossed his path. And while his main shepherding was devoted to his parish flock at Saint Columbkille, he understood the importance of the wider church as he served as a member on numerous Diocesan Committees. Dear to his heart was the West Side Search Program he developed and whose "Search kids" remain devoted to him to this day.
As a man who loved all of God's creation, Father Neil enjoyed traveling and boating. But he was at his best when he was able to share festive meals and lively conversation with family and friends. He considered it a blessing to be able to pray together with the Carmelite Sisters, but it was being able to serve at the altar with Pope John Paul II that he considered the greatest honor.
Father Neil is survived by his sisters, Maureen (Bill) Homka of Vermilion, and Margaret O'Connor; brothers, Garry (Marsha) of Elyria, Michael (Donna) of Broadview Hts., Patrick (Sue) of Kent, John (Sue) of Fernandina Beach, Florida, many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Though our hearts ache in his absence, we find comfort in knowing he is now at peace, welcomed into eternal rest by his loving Lord, parents, and dear friend Father John Vial and so many other family and friends.. His spirit will live on in the lives he touched. "Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis," that is, "May his faithful soul be at the right hand of God." (Gaelic blessing)
Friends may call Monday, November 18, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. with a Vespers Service at 4 at St. Peter Church, 35777 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Most Rev. Michael Woost as celebrant and Rev. Joseph Previte as homilist. Mass will be livestreamed at www.stpeternr.org. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, North Ridgeville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central Catholic Endowment Fund at https://www.centralcatholichs.org/makeagift or the Diocese of Cleveland Priest Retirement Fund at https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/