Dermot James O'Connor

O’CONNOR, DERMOT J., M.D. (Florida/Glasnevin), aged 92, passed peacefullyJuly 29, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Florida, surrounded by his loving family: daughterAilish (Tim), sons Stephen (Yingying), Peter (Lori), David (AnnMarie) and Johnny (Patty). Hewas born in the Glasnevin area of Dublin, Ireland on July 17, 1933, a son of Bernard O’Connorand Kathleen (Troy) O’Connor. Predeceased by his loving wife of 53 years, Maureen (Conroy)O’Connor, who died in 2015 and left a void that could never be filled. Also predeceased by histhree brothers Brendan, Fergus, and Vincent.

A renowned singer and raconteur, Dermot was well known for hosting great parties withMaureen at their home in Redington Beach and at their Cove Bend Ranch in Floral City. Dermotwas a highly skilled Orthopaedic surgeon, having started his own practice in St. Petersburg withpartners Don Sullivan and Mike Slomka. He received degrees from Trinity College Dublin andUniversity College Dublin, and graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago with anOrthopaedics specialty. He and Maureen moved to Florida in 1962 where Dermot interned atMound Park Hospital and went on to practice medicine for more than 40 years, becoming headof surgery at Palms of Pasadena Hospital.

Always quick with a joke, an intelligent fact, a sound second opinion on all matters medical, orthe tune of an old Irish song, and particularly skilled at changing the words of a song tohumorous effect, he was much loved by his many friends and colleagues. An avid runner, hecompleted 25 marathons including the Boston Marathon 7 years in a row (with still the all-timefamily record of 3 hours and 7 minutes). Also an avid day-trader, his worst days were when thestock market was closed and there were no Premier League matches on. He was skilled at tennisand was an ambivalent golfer, although he liked the craic that went along with golf, particularlyat the 19th hole.

After Maureen’s death, he was well supported by a great network of family and lifelong friends.

He lived a fantastic life and was cherished by his five children and twelve grandchildren, Nora,Clare, Helen, Vera, Owen, Dermot, Evelyn, Siobhán, Conrad, Josie, Dylan and Declan. He willbe greatly missed by his family and many friends in Florida, Ireland, and Newfoundland. Níbheidh a leithéid arís ann.