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BORN
1935
DIED
2021
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Jarlath O'Connor Obituary
November 21, 1935 - March 29, 2021
Jarlath "J.T." O'Connor died peacefully at home in Tiburon, California on March 29, 2021, of natural causes, surrounded by his devoted family.
A towering pillar of the Irish community of San Francisco for many decades, Jarlath was born into a large family in rural Milltown, County Galway, Ireland and attended St. Jarlath's College in Tuam, County Galway. He worked with, and for his brother at Tony's grocery business in Tuam, but like so many other young people of Ireland in the 20th Century, including his brothers Michael and James, both priests, he was drawn to immigrate to America.
Jarlath arrived in California in 1958 where he was welcomed by his brother Fr. Michael O'Connor and found a new home in San Francisco, where he met his wife Iris (Edgeworth) of Ballyconnell, County Cavan. He was drafted into the US Army, stationed briefly in Germany, and served in the San Francisco Police Department for eight years. Along with Iris, he purchased Harrington Brothers Moving and Storage in 1968 and later expanded the business to buy and sell used furniture and antiques. They soon moved Harrington Brothers to the building at Valencia and 17th Streets that houses the family business today. He was a fixture on Valencia Street for over fifty years and helped countless young immigrants from Ireland and elsewhere to find their footing in San Francisco without ever losing their connection to the homes they had left behind.
He returned to Ireland innumerable times and instilled a great love of the country in his children and grandchildren. He worked tirelessly in support of the Irish community in San Francisco, with particular focus on the United Irish Cultural Center, the Irish Immigration Pastoral Center, the Irish priests and nuns of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and the San Francisco GAA.
Jarlath was the living embodiment of the Irish American dream. He was a singer, a storyteller, and the hardest working man you ever met. He shared his good fortune with people all over Ireland and the Bay Area. There won't be another one like him.
Jarlath is preceded in death by his wife Iris, his son Stephen, his father and mother Anthony and Mary, sisters Eileen, Kathleen, and Julia, brothers Patrick, Michael, James, Tony, and Sean. He is survived by his daughter Fiona, his sons Michael and Shane, grandchildren Micaela, Aoife, Pilar, Claire, Iris, Declan, and Evelyn, and his sister Theresa
Friends and family may visit on Wednesday, April 7th between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm at DUGGAN'S FUNERAL SERVICE – THE DUGGAN WELCH FAMILY 3434 – 17th Street in San Francisco with the Rosary at 6:00 pm; and are also invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, April 8th, 10:30 am at St Philip's Church, Diamond and Elizabeth Streets in San Francisco. Interment is to take place in Ireland at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be sent to the United Irish Cultural Center (https://irishcentersf.org) or The Irish Immigration Pastoral Center (https://m.facebook.com/IIPCSF/), and are preferred.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jarlath O'Connor
Sponsored by Duggan's Funeral Service - The Duggan Welch Family The Duggan Welch Family.
Sr. Miriam Anne
August 9, 2021
Such a great man is such a great loss! The obituary aptly portrays the power, goodness and generosity of his life. May he rest in peace and may his family be greatly consoled by the memories of all he was and did.
Michael
May 8, 2021
Deepest sympathy to Fiona, Michael, and Shane on the passing of your dad Jarlath. I and I’m sure literally 100s young Irish people will never forget the support he gave to all those “just off the boat”. So many fond memories of both your mum and day - never a dull day around Harrington’s Moving & Storage in the late 80s.
Cyril
April 21, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to all the family. What a great opportunity to have met such a wonderful man. Always in our hearts from The Feerick Family.
John & Bernadette O Connor
April 11, 2021
Sincerest Sympathies to Mike ,FIona ,Shane and extended family at the sad passing of Uncle Jarlath.
Thanks for the Memories in SF in ‘84
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Michael C. O'Connor
April 11, 2021
To me he was always my favourite Uncle and I hope I was among his favourite nephews and nieces. He, Iris and the family have always been a great support to dymphna and I and our kids including in tough times. His advice, insights and his company was always welcome and enjoyed. From the time he came to Kilroe in the 80’s in a white cortina with a black roof to the times we had with him as a family in our 2017 trip and since then ours was a lifelong and dear friendship and an Irish kind of love. We miss you already and until we meet again, may your unique soul rest in peace.
Brian and Caroline O’Connor
April 11, 2021
Our heartfelt sympathies to Fiona, Michael, Shane, all the grandchildren and to auntie Teresa in Navan.
I always admired how Jarlath had an interest in so many things, talk about anything and his great love for music and singing. I have especially good memories at this time of year where Jarlath was visiting in Kilroe at lambing time and he insisted coming down the land on a night visit to see the ewes with me.
His family have organised and shared with everyone a fantastic tribute to Jarlath and it saddened us a lot to watch.
May he rest in peace.
Brian, Caroline and family (O Connors) Kilroe, Headford.
Marguerite Ansbro
April 10, 2021
Sincere sympathy to the o Connor family
Fond memories of times gone by
From marguerite Ansbro
Jack and Regina Boyle Kilaphrasogue, Tuam
April 10, 2021
Deepest sympathy Fiona, Michael, Shane and your families and the extended O'Connor families on Jarlaths recent dead. May he rest in eternal peace,
Ní bheidh á leithéid án árais.
Claire Greaney
April 10, 2021
Happy Holiday in 1987 at Iris & Jarlaths home in Tiburon. How Jarlatb loved introducing us all to all his friends, especially in the Irish Centre. We enjoyed such hospitality over the 2 weeks.
Úna Tierney
April 9, 2021
Uncle Jarlath, second from left,back row, playing for Milltown
Paula O'Connor & Alan Healy
April 8, 2021
Sincere sympathies to Michael, Fiona, Shane, your families and friends on Jarlath's passing. We felt privileged to be able to join you for his funeral mass. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Donal O’ Connor
April 8, 2021
Sincere sympathy to Fiona, Michael, Shane and grandchildren on the loss of Jarlath. I will always treasure the memories of the time spent working for JT and Iris in San Fran in 1985. May he rest in peace. Donal, Breege O’ Connor and family
Breada
April 8, 2021
Sincere sympathy to Fiona Michael and Shane and all the O'Connor family. We have wonderful memories of holidays in BalleyVaughan and Bearna. His positive attitude and encouragement shaped all our lives.
Rest in peace
Marianand Gérard Barrins
April 8, 2021
Sincere sympathy to all the O Connor family from the Barrins family. Longford. Ireland
Teresa O Connor
April 8, 2021
Dear Fiona, Michael and Shane, and your Families:
Sincere condolences on the sad loss of your dear Dad, Jarlath.
For those of us in Ireland, we benefited from his regular visits to the west, and looked forward to seeing him. We always enjoyed Jarlath’s company and the lively conversation.
In later years, at impromptu Sunday lunches at Maura’s house in Bermingham Road, after last mass; or visits to his house in Kilgevrin for a cup of tea.
Rest in peace Uncle Jarlath RIP.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís.
Teresa O'Connor & John Somers
Mary Droney
April 8, 2021
Sincere Condolences to Fiona, Michael and Shane on the passing of Jarlath. He was a giant of a man and a unique character in every way - he will be always be remembered for his sociability, his courage in life and in business, and his ability to welcome new ideas and possibilities in every aspect of his life. But above all he loved and was truly proud of his family who were the focus of his life. We have so many happy and entertaining memories of his visits to Ballyvaughan - an amazing character. May he rest in peace.
Mary Keane-Droney
Joe Desmond
April 8, 2021
Rest in peace Jarlaith. A great friend to San Francisco GAA and the many young irish that came to the City in the 1980's & 90's. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Mary Sheridan
April 7, 2021
We sympathise with you , Jarlath’s family , at this sad time . He is fondly remembered by us in Milltown .
Glóire na nAingeal go gcloise sé
Mary Sheridan and family , Milltown .
Christina Cassidy
April 7, 2021
Sincere sympathy to Fiona, Michael and Shane on the death of your Dad. May he find eternal rest after a lifetime of working hard and expending his boundless energy.
I have wonderful memories of working with both Iris and Jarlath in Harrington’s, most especially their kindness and sense of fun. They helped so many of us newly arrived Irish and welcomed us into their home with a heart and a half. Their generous spirit will live forever in my heart.
Ar dheis De go rain a anam.
George Birmingham
April 6, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Healy McDonagh
April 6, 2021
I have known Jarlath a along time, He knew my father a Cork footballer Mike Healy.. He shared his home in Sebastapol with my sister and my families one summer weekend.. He invited us at his place in Sebastopol. My sister, Joanie and Neil's (Neil worked for Jarlath) and Frank (also worked for Jarlath) and our young children picked up the "tons" of apples on the place. They loved tossing them into the baskets. Great memories. We were so thrilled to spend time on the place and our young kids had a fabulous time. He was thrilled apples were picked up, unbeknownst to us. Our deepest condolences to the family
Cristina Segatto
April 6, 2021
A very sweet and funny man.
I worked for his Daughter Fiona and was very fond of him. I remember him bringing his daughter flowers on Mother’s Day and How proud he was of her stepping in his footsteps. Laughter sharing a few donuts and always trying to make a sale. Very Proud Father. Very Proud Grandpa. Very proud Irish Very proud Immigrant. Very Proud Business Man. I will miss you.
Cristina Segatto
April 6, 2021
A very sweet and funny man.
I worked for his Daughter Fiona and was very fond of him. I remember him bringing his daughter flowers on Mother’s Day and How proud he was of her stepping in his footsteps. Laughter sharing a few donuts and always trying to make a sale. Very Proud Father. Very Proud Grandpa. Very proud Irish Very proud Immigrant. Very Proud Business Man. I will miss you.
Jennifer James
April 6, 2021
I worked for Jarlath and Iris at Harrington Brothers when I first moved to San Francisco in 1998.
My fondest memory of Jarlath is when I took my parents to visit him in Galway many years ago. He showed us around his old stomping ground where he grew up and drove us down to Lisdoonvarna to the match making festival. We had a great time.
We had many laughs over the years and he always loved the bit of chat as Gaeilge. Condolences to Fiona ,Michael and Shane and all the kids.
As Joyce would put it, “They lived and laughed and loved and left.”
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Gerry Kiernan
April 6, 2021
Condolences to the O Connor family on the death of Jarlath. From
Gerry and all the Kiernans Ballymagovern Co Cavan
Andy Mc Hugh.
April 6, 2021
My first job when I went to America in 1980 was at Harringtons Moving And Storage where I met Jarlath.I am very sorry to hear about his death.
When my brother was diagnosed with Cancer in 1986, Jarlath, as well as being one of the main Fundraisers to pay for his Hospital treatment made sure Marius had access to the best Cancer Specialists in San Francisco at that time. The Mc Hugh Family from Castlederg Co Tyrone are forever grateful.
My Sympathy to Fiona-Michael and Shane.
Andy Mc Hugh Co Tyrone Ireland.
Robyn McCullough
April 6, 2021
Robyn McCullough
My sincere condolences to Fiona ,Michael and Shane and all the family on the death of Jarlath. I have many memories of Jarlath and Iris at Knockadoose where Iris had spent many happy years with the Foster family and also in Belfast with Iris s mum auntie Mollie. My late husband Tom and I spent holidays in the bungalow and the stone house Kinvarra with Jarlath . A very generous man who loved company and loved a meal cooked for him ! I will always remember him fondly. I also enjoyed meeting with the family in San Francisco and being taken out for breakfast by Jarlath that was a real treat . God Bless you all Mervyn Kathleen Knockadoose Beryl and Harrison Clogher Olga Virginia USA and Robyn Belfast and all the families
Tom Garvey
April 5, 2021
Sincere sympathy to the O’Connor family on the passing of Jarlath from the Garvey family Milltown / Philadelphia
Claire, Iggy & Family
April 5, 2021
Our sincere sympathy to Fiona, Michael, Shane, Auntie Teresa and the extended O'Connor family.
May Jarlath now Rest In Peace with his beloved Iris & little Stephen.
Teresa Tierney
April 5, 2021
Dear Uncle Jarlath, may you Rest In Peace. You were always so kind to your sister Kathleen.
Teresa Tierney
Maureen(Tierney) McGrath
April 5, 2021
Sincere sympathy to Fiona,Michael,Shane and to your families on the loss of your Dad, Jarlath. Fond memories of his visits to Belmont and the special place he had in Kathleen's heart.
Rest in peace Uncle Jarlath .
Anne and Tomas Flynn
April 4, 2021
Condolences to all the O Connor family on the sad passing of Jarlath Rip .
Tony O'Connor
April 4, 2021
Sincere condolences Fiona Michael & Shane & to your families on Jarlath’s passing. Great memories of my time working with Jarlath & Iris in Valencia Street in 1981 & their hospitality in their home in Tiburon. He was a great GAA man, a Milltown man, a Galway man and an Irishman.
May he rest in peace.
Tony& Pauline OConnor & family, Moyne Hill, Headford
Kenneth O Connor
April 4, 2021
Deepest condolences to all the family.One of life’s gentlemen.May his soul Rest In Peace.Always enjoyed the pleasure of his company and many a good “debate” that was had.A lot of history leaves this world with the gentleman. Sincere sympathy to his sister and his family. Kenny,Aofie ,Phil and all the O Connor family,knockadoon Irishtown
Colette Flanagan
April 4, 2021
Sincere sympathy to Fiona, Michael, Shane and all of your families on the passing of your Dad/Grandad. We have fond memories of Jarlath & Iris visiting Kilroe down through the years. May he Rest in Peace
Thinking of you all.
Colette, Frank and Family
Bernie O’Connor Kearney
April 4, 2021
Sincere sympathies to Fiona, Mike & Shayne & to your families, on the loss of your dad Jarlath RIP.
A legend, who always welcomed us his Irish family, to Tiburon & San Francisco. Our gratitude & appreciation for all the welcomes and fun times with Jarlath & Iris will always be remembered.
Thinking of you all over these days.
Bernie (O’ Connor) Kearney & Cathal & family. Termonfeckin. Co. Louth
Martin
April 4, 2021
To Fiona, Michael, Shane O'Connor, family and friends of Jarlath.
Today we have woken up poorer for the passing of a great Irishman. There never will be another Jarlath O'Connor. The term "Great Irishman" may be over used when describing the contributions of certain people but in Jarlath's case it is an apt description a fine Irishman whose influence on those who knew him was simply extraordinary. We all trusted the great man's opinions. Himself from humble beginnings, Jarlath understood the needs of ordinary people. His commitment and real passion for helping the newly arrived Irish men and women was much appreciated. He made it to the top without sacrificing the loyalty of his friends. He will be sorely missed.
May he Rest In Peace.
Eileen and Martin Rooney
Our sincere condolences to Fiona, Michael and Shane
Peter and Teresa Diskin
April 4, 2021
Our sincere sympathies to Fiona, Michael & Shane and the O’ Connor family on the death of your Dad.
I have great memories of our days in Tiburon in the Summer of 1979 as students when Jarlath & Iris gave us, his five nieces their home and organised Summer work for us. He always offered good advice.
Jarlath was a man with big a heart and a generous spirit.
I remember their many visits to Kilroe to see Sean, Peggy and our family.
May he now rest in peace with Iris and Stephen.
Patsy Donegan
April 4, 2021
Sincere condolences to Fiona Michael and Shane on the passing of Jarlath.
He was good company a straight talker and conversation was never boring.
I have fond memories of our various road trips with the young Irelander’s.
May Jarlath rest in peace
Patsy and Lucy Donegan
April 4, 2021
To Fiona,Michael and Shane
Deepest condolences on your loss.
Jarlath was indeed a man with a big heart and filled the room with his presence.He was there for all of us when we went to SanFrancisco.
He will be missed by so many most especially by Teresa . So glad we has our FaceTime chat a little while ago. Mum will remember his last words to her .
Joan
Justine Slattery McCoy
April 4, 2021
Rest in Peace Jarlath.
Ann OConnor
April 4, 2021
Dear Fiona ,Michael and Shane-
I have fond memories of the glamour of Jarlath and Iris when they visited Bermingham Road ,Tuam ,when we were young.
May Jarlath rest in peace. He was at home in Milltown in recent years - as if he had never left.
Kathy Rainsford
April 3, 2021
Deepest sympathies to Fiona, Michael, Shane and to all the extended O'Connor family on the loss of Jarlath, RIP. I have great memories and respect working with Jarlath on the sale of many of his properties in San Francisco. His monumental success prompted his providence of jobs, training and coaching to so many young people from Ireland and elsewhere which stands as a testament to his generosity and greatness. We were also known to enjoy some craic at the various local establishments where Jarlath was always most welcome and ready to tell a joke, sing a song or spin a tale about the day's happenings.
AR DHEIS DE' GO RAIBH A ANAM UASAL
Jim Carney
April 3, 2021
My sympathy to you all in San Francisco. I met Jarlath many times over the years. A big man with a big personality. I was very fond of him & I will remember him with affection & respect. - Jim Carney.
Michael & Ann Feerick Kilgevrin Milltown Galway Ireland
April 3, 2021
So sorry to hear of Jarlath death, may he rest in peace
Josie Varley Collins
April 3, 2021
Condolences to Fiona, Shane, Michael and all the O’ Connor family on the sad passing of Jarlath. May he Rest In Peace. Josie and Pat Collins, Kinvara, Galway,Ireland.
Noel Farragher
April 3, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful man
A great ambassador for Milltown. Thanks for getting me a job in 1984
RIP.
Sheila Mannion
April 3, 2021
Thinking of you all as you celebrate Uncle Jarlath's remarkable life. We loved his lively chat here in Tuam and strong opinions. I always saw him as the modern man and loved the way he embraced life. We had so many cups of tea in Reapy's on his way home along with the odd song.
Our sincere condolences to you all.
Sheila, Finbar and Sarah Mannion.
Padraig Rohan
April 2, 2021
Jarlath was a legend in the Irish community in San Francisco .
Gave me “ The Start “ when I first came to town back in 1986 and because of that made lifelong friends here , met my wife and raised a family . I will be eternally grateful to Jarlath and Iris for that opportunity. My condolences to Fiona , Michael & Shane and to all Jarlath’s extended family. May he Rip.
Jane Slattery McGuinn
April 2, 2021
Condolences to the O’Connor family
Mary Farrell
April 2, 2021
Jarleth was legendary.
As they say in Irish
“Ní bheidh a léitheid arís ann”
A true gentleman with a big heart
May he be rewarded for his kind deeds.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal
Sincere sympathy
Mary Farrell, Kieran Mc Hugh & family Salthill Galway
Gerry Deane
April 2, 2021
Sincere condolences to the O'connor family in Sanfrancisco and Galway.
I was very saddened to hear of Jarlath's passing. Jarlath was quite a legend. He looked after so many people when they came to Sanfrancisco including myself.
We were both founder members of the Young Ireland club in Sanfrancisco. We also played together. I played half back and Jarlath usually shielded me at corner back.
Jarlath was always fantastic company to be with. Could sing a good song or tell a great story.
May he rest in peace.
Gerry and Sheila Deane
Naas, Co Kildare
Mary Mitchell O’ Connor
April 2, 2021
Sincere condolences to the O’ Connor Family in San Francisco from The O’ Connor family in Emeracly, Milltown: Anthony, Mary , Therese and Cathriona. We will miss you Uncle Jarlath. You were a most entertaining raconteur, a fantastic singer and great, great company.
You were always most welcome in Emeracly, your homestead and we loved especially when you visited when we were children. Our Dad, Paddy was very proud of all of your successes in the US and in Ireland.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís. Ní bheidh do leithéid ann arís.
Úna Tierney
April 2, 2021
Rest in Peace, dear Uncle Jarlath. You were a breath of fresh air when you visited us in Belmont for many , many years. You were so fond of our Mam , your sister , Kathleen, always ,and she of you . I hope you are reunited with dear Iris, Stephen and your family in heaven .
Martina Slattery Lyons, Ireland
April 2, 2021
Deepest sympathy to the O'Connor family.
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