Arthur William O'Connor

In Remembrance Art O'Connor passed away on January 18, 2020 in Melbourne, Florida, with his beloved wife Carol and daughter Denise by his side. Art was a loving husband, a devout Catholic, and a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol and five children: Stephen (Paige), Suzy, Lisa (Casey), Denise (Larry), and Michael (Missy). He also leaves behind 11 adored grandchildren,(Sarah, Cal, Erin, Reegan, Courtney, Mitchell, Jacob, Bennet, Ainsley, Graden, and William, three brothers ( Donald, Roddy, and Kevin, and a host of treasured nieces and nephews. Art was predeceased by his two brothers Martin and Robert). Art was born in Brooklyn, NY and later moved to Flushing, NY. He attended Brooklyn Prep High School where he was a three sport athlete— baseball, football, and track. Later, Art enrolled at Fordham University for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps and serving in combat in the Korean War with the First Marine Division. Though Art served with the U.S. Marines for three years, his love for the Corps was evident to all. He sported the USMC logo on shirts, jackets, hats, and bumper stickers and never hesitated to say Semper Fi to a fellow Marine. The values instilled at home and reinforced through the Marines— honor, courage, and commitment— were carried forward in how he lived his life. After finishing his service, Art returned to Fordham where he was welcomed warmly. In fact, while in a philosophy class, actor and classmate Alan Alda personally thanked him for his service. While at Fordham, Art was a member of the Fordham track team, where his father (Artie) was his coach and where two of his brothers also ran. Art graduated from Fordham with a B.A in English. Upon graduation, Art began a 30- year career with the federal government and travelled the globe. With his family, Art had long-term assignments in California, Taiwan, and the Washington D.C. area. By his retirement in 1990, Art had seen much of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Art's loyalty to country continued long beyond retirement as he continued to work as a security consultant for another 23 years. At work and in life, Art was known for being a consummate professional, a true gentleman, and an avid practical joker. Art's work ethic and courtly demeanor were a contrast to his love of fun and silliness, often eliciting the loudest laughs from his grandchildren. In retirement, he wrote regularly to all of his eleven grandchildren and routinely mailed them word scrambles, news articles, and $2 bills. If you come across a $2 bill, it is likely to have passed through Art's hands. Art enjoyed seeing plays and attending band concerts with his wife, trying new foods (preferably Asian), and reading on the balcony or by the pool of his beautiful beachfront condominium. As a friend recently commented about Art, "He is at peace. Your favorite veteran is saluting God and being welcomed into that place that is our ultimate reward." Art will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Melbourne, Florida on February 17, 2020. Visitation will be at 10:30 am and mass will be at 11:00 am. A reception will follow. A burial service will be held at Marine Corps Base Quantico at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Arthur's name to Holy Name of Jesus Hearts out to Haiti, https://www.hnj.org/hearts-out-to-haiti, or to Veterans Affairs, https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/.