Robert O'Connor

It's with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Robert Neil O'Connor. He passed away on November 19, 2024 at The Rose Garden Nursing Home, where he had been living for the past 2 years. Robert was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on July 29, 1939. He was the baby brother of 6 boys and 1 girl. Bob loved to tell stories about growing up with his brothers and sister and all the fun and trouble they got into.
He is survived by his wife Mary Lynne, daughter Tiffany, son in-law Ed, and his two grandchildren Gabriella and Isabella. Bob is preceded by his son Sean, who passed away at the age of 10 in 1982. He is predeceased by his siblings Freddie, Eddie, Oliver, Billie, Jakey, Mikey O'Connor. He is survived by his sister, Betty Dunn. Bob and Mary Lynne were married for 56 years and lived a wonderful life together raising their daughter, Tiffany. The past 20 years they traveled to Delray Beach, Florida yearly as snowbirds. There they enjoyed time with friends, the beach, the pool and going out to dinner. They especially loved it when their daughter, Tiffany, and granddaughters came to visit them in Florida. Bob adored his granddaughters and was fondly known as "pop pop".
Bob served in the military, Army, from 1961 to 1963. He then spent his twenties working at the Eden Rock hotel, Miami Beach, as the head beach boy and brushed elbows with many famous people. In his late twenties he worked as a manager for Friendly's Ice Cream and his love for ice cream began! In his late thirties he began working for Dr. Pepper soda company. Obviously his love for soda started here. Throughout his career he worked for Royal Crown (RC Cola). After he retired he did what any good salesman would do he sold cars. Bob loved selling Cadillacs and was one of the top salesmen they had!
Those who knew him well knew that he loved to sail on his boat. He enjoyed sailing down the Barnegat Bay with his family. During Bob and Mary Lynne's later years in life he loved being part of the Toms River Yacht club.
His pride and joy were his two granddaughter's. From day one he stepped in to help and was the best grandfather. His granddaughters remember him as being funny and playful.
Though Bob was hit by tragedy losing his son, he still lived a wonderful life with his family and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.