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John O'Connor Memoriam
John Joseph O'Connor
Aug. 8, 1934 - Mar. 15, 2013
Fr. Jack was born in San Francisco on August 8, 1934 to John and Josephine O'Connor (both from Wexford, Ireland). He died on March 15, 2013. He was the nephew of the late Monsignor James O'Connor, brother of Philip O'Connor (deceased), and Peggy Vollert (Joseph).
He leaves behind thirteen adoring nieces and nephews: The Vollerts: Joe (Stacy), Jack (Julie), Dan (Michelle), Tom (Katie), Catherine and Eileen O'Kane (Paul). And grand nieces and nephews: Cecilia, Andrew, Brian, Nicholas, Lauren, Luke, Joey, Franny, Willa, Georgia, Lucy, James and Mairead.
The O'Connors: Dondi Szombatfalvy (Mike), John (Amy), Christopher, Erin Quentin (Dave), Justin, and their mother Delores. Hanlon and Ingrid and their mother Martha. And grand nieces and nephews: Nicholas, Kathryn, Jack, Colin, Brynn, Rylan, and Owen. He was the cousin of Ted, George, and Jack Hayes.
Fr. Jack began his journey to ordination in 1948 at St. Joseph's Seminary. He then attended Archbishop Riordan High School where he served as Student Body President before graduating in 1952 and then returning to his studies at St. Joseph's and St. Patrick's. He was ordained on June 11, 1960. After earning a Masters Degree from Catholic University, he served in Catholic Social Services for the next twenty-five years. During that time he was in residence at St. Stephen's, Sacred Heart, St. Isabella's, and St. Kevin's.
In 1983 he was appointed Pastor of his beloved Mission Dolores Basilica. He was named Prelate of Honor with the title of Monsignor by Pope John Paul II. In 1997 he was named Pastor of St. Mary's Cathedral.
He never ceased being a Man for Others. He loved his vocation and his church and was a faithful and obedient priest for over 52 years.
We have lost a great priest, brother, uncle and friend.
Friends and religious are invited to call on Friday, March 22, 2013 after 9.00 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Gough Street and Geary Blvd., San Francisco where the Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 22, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Private Committal St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery, Bolinas, California. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Archbishop Riordan High School, the Margaret and Joseph Vollert Scholarship Fund at St. Ignatius College Preparatory, or Catholic Social Services, San Francisco.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John O'Connor
Steve Roach
September 22, 2024
Father O'Conner was the consensus favorite priest to serve Mass with at St. Isabella's. The altar boys thought he was funny, sincere and always thoughtful and upbeat. When we were assigned Mass with him we looked forward to it - we knew there would be a lot of laughs while we also witnessed a faith that was deep and committed. Many years later my wife and I wanted him to marry us but we were unable to make that happen. It's was very sad to hear of his passing at the time, and equally so to reflect on it even today. RIP to the best priest I ever knew.
Tim Foisie
February 6, 2022
I am very grateful to have met Reverend Monsignor John Joseph O'Connor during the 1990s. I really admired his devotion to the Catholic faith and how he treated the people I know; a class act through and through. Rest in Peace.
Fr. Michael Newman
March 30, 2013
My condolences and sympathy to all of Jack's family, many of whom I know. He shall be in my thoughts and prayers Easter Sunday. May God bless him with peace.
Maytrella Guevara
March 25, 2013
As a young girl at Mission Dolores, God placed his amazing & beautiful soul in my path when I needed him most. Fr John was my refuge, my place of comfort, faith & unconditional love. I actually looked forward to confessing with him face to face, serving beside him as an Altar girl, having him over for my mom's home cooked meals, praying with us when my little brother was fighting cancer, bringing communion every Sunday after mass to my dear grandmother when her time to join God was nearing (and boy did she love him!) always made sure there were plenty of chocolate MnMs he loved. I grew to deeply love Jesus Christ through Fr John when my life was in turmoil and I needed it most. He always had a warm smile, his sermons and wonderful lessons in both english & spanish always impacted me & many others deeply. He was our favorite pastor & friend & second 'father'. He will live in our hearts forever. I was also granted the oppty to see him on March 2nd, only a few weeks ago, I will treasure those kisses on the forehead and his warm embrace always. WE LOVE YOU, Please pray for us from paradise Fr.
Rev. Robert Christian, O.P.
March 25, 2013
Jack was a real gentleman, a very distinguished man, who took the time to connect with people and to value them. His personal interest was the hallmark of a good priest.
Dannelle Cejudo
March 21, 2013
I can't believe my father is gone! I just spoke to him a few days ago! He never said he wasn't feeling well, as usual, he was only concerned with me! he was the best father anyone could ever hope for! He once told me that since he was a small boy he and everyone in his family knew that he would be a priest! and he was and will always be a true priest in every sense of the word! He told me that as a man he would have liked to have had a big family if he were not a priest. I grew up with no father, and abused. Father nurtured me back to spiritual wellness and healing and told me that the Lord had given him the son he had always wanted! He was and will always be my Father! I will miss our conversations Dad! I feel you in my heart! I love you Father! Thank You for choosing me as your spiritual Son1 Thank you for teaching me what it is to have a Father! I love you Dad!
Your spiritual son in Christ...Dann
Joan Murphy
March 21, 2013
As a teacher at Mission Dolores, I appreciated Father John's personal warmth and unflagging commitment to our students. He met with our eighth graders weekly as an expression of this commitment, and it was obviously not a chore.He would arrive with a rolled-up newspaper, using current events to engage students in lively discussions of current events from a moral perspective. I often wished his sessions could be videotaped. And who can forget his Children's Masses, with props to create riveting homilies? Truly, he was God's gift to us.
Teresa Chavez
March 21, 2013
my deepest condolences to the O'Conner family .. may God keep you all strong during this most difficult time and always!! I remember Father O'Conner when he was at St. Kevin's .. he was always so kind and helpful .. he will be truly missed .. may he RIP!!
William Toth
March 20, 2013
Great guy, a living example (to Me) of both a priest and a man. I will always think kindly of him.
Cecile & Steve & children Carlos/Monica and Joanna Ortiz Lavine
March 20, 2013
Father John has always been an inspiration to me. My children love him and we became friends when he was at Mission Dolores. He married me and my husband Steve and comforted us and said the burial prayers for my dear mama. Just last week I was thinking of him and what a great Pope he'd make. I am truly sad but know that now I have an advocate in heaven. For all the years of inspiration, care, kindness and comfort - we send you Father our love.
joe & Barbara Cotruvo
March 20, 2013
Jack was a giant of a man in the Riverside district here in Healdsburg Ca. We will miss him dearly. Our condolences to the O'Connor's.
March 20, 2013
Jack was a giant among us here in the Riverside community of Healdsburg, Ca. We will miss him dearly. God bless you Jack. Joe and Barbara Cotruvo.
kaaren alvarado
March 20, 2013
Many thanks for wonderful memories of your faith! Love and prayers, kaaren alvarado and Family
sonia cervantes
March 19, 2013
A great man has been called home, leaving us to mourn and remember him always. You always had a big smile and heart felt hello for all who crossed your path.
March 19, 2013
Jack (Monsignor O'Connor) married me and my Wife, who was his Cousin. A special person; I knew him as a family member by marriage, a priest, and as a friend. He will always be in my memory, my heart and my prayers.
Jane O'Leary-Poole
March 19, 2013
Very sad. Father Jack was so good to my family from the time he was our parish priest at St. Isabella's, throughout my mom's illness and subsequent death in 2004 and his on-going support of my dad from whom I heard this sad news. I can still see the photo my parents had framed of him with the Pope - his smile was infectious. I hope that his survivors will find great comfort in knowing what an impact "Bucky" had on the world.
Dan O'Neill
March 19, 2013
What a sad day for me. I first ran into John O'Connor as a freshman at Riordan High School. He was a senior, playing St. Peter in Mr. Lindland's version of the Passion. Later while I served in the school's cafeteria, John pestered me relentlessly to serve him something, I can't remember what it was. The fllowing year he and I were enrolled at St. Joseph's Minor Seminary. And he still insisted on harassing me -- in a humorous way. Later while an assistant pastor at St. Stephen's John heard my confession before I began a very happy marriage. No hassle then.
He was the ultimate American-born Irishman who knew everybody and was deeply loved and respected by all. RIP John, you have done well.
Dan O'Neill
This is a beautiful memory of Monsignor's time at his beloved Mission Dolores. What a joy to see Pope John Paul II acknowledging him.
Debra Greenblat
March 19, 2013
Mary Rudden
March 19, 2013
My heart is with you, Peg...so many memories of our "young" days. I loved Fr. Jack's full-out Irish personality and respected his deep spirituality. He taught us all. God bless him and you and and all the family.
Love, Rudden
March 19, 2013
Goodbye Buckey we will miss you God Bless good and faithful servant.
Tony Cutone
Mission Dolores Basilica
March 19, 2013
The Staff, Former Staff and Alumni of Notre Dame Elementary, High School, Mission Dolores School and Parish Community of Mission Dolores Basilica send their deepest sympathy. Father John will be deeply missed, he really built up this community and we are sad that he is no longer with us. May you walk with the Angels and continue to look down on us and guide us. We will miss our beloved Pastor.
March 19, 2013
My prayers and Condolences to Fr. John's family. I was a classmate of his at St. Joseph's. He's with God now. Tom Dybdal
Sharon Ghilardi-Udovich
March 19, 2013
Dear Father Jack,
Thank you for your friendship - such a special gift. I will miss you. You are always in my prayers. My deepest sympathy to the Vollert and O'Connor families.
Archbishop Riordan High School
March 19, 2013
The faculty, staff and students of Archbishop Riordan High School send their deepest sympathy. Father John will be remembered in our daily prayers. He loved being a part of the ARHS Community and he will be deeply missed.
Jeanine Jiron
March 19, 2013
May you rest in peace.
Gustavo Torres
March 19, 2013
Rest in Peace Fr. O'Connor, you were an awesome mentor and had a killer hand shake! Thank you for all that you have done for me and Mission Dolores. You always said Mission Dolores was "home", we will make sure we watch over it for you and continue your vision of preserving it. May you walk with the Angels and continue to watch over us from above. I don't know who I will be able to talk about making MD better with anymore. I'm really going miss you so very much.
March 18, 2013
There are no words.He is with God as his reward for being the outstanding priest that he was on earth. I loved him. Mary Lou Madison
Bette Roman
March 18, 2013
25 years ago Fr. John married my husband and I, we kept in touch through email and letters, over the years., This year for our 25th anniversary we had planned to see him,sadly we missed him. He was our friend and spirtiual guide. He will always be in our hearts, till we meet again Fr. John, Love the Roman Family
Peggy Mullin
March 18, 2013
My deepest sympathy to his sister and all his family.
Indeed, he was the best. My Godfather, my friend, my mentor. He was a saint; the face of God. Prayerfully, Peggy Mullin
March 18, 2013
What a wonderful person...so warm, loving and compassionate. Truly a model priest. We will always treasure his kindness to us and our family. May he rest in peace. Love Linda and Denis and Family.
Peggy Mullin
March 18, 2013
My deepest sympathy of the family and friends of Father Oconnor.
He was my Godfather, my mentor and friend. Yes, we have all lost a truly great priest. The best, a saint, the face of God. Prayerfully, Peggy Mullin
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