Obituary of Joseph F. O'Connor
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Joseph F. O'Connor Jr. passed away at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York on April 1, 2009.
He was 62 years old.
Born in Orange, he grew up in East Orange and had lived in Manahawkin before moving to Rockaway Twp., NJ in 1978.
Joseph served in the US Army and was deployed to Vietnam where he served as an officer with distinction in the First Calvary and was awarded three Bronze Stars. Upon returning home he joined the 303rd Civil Affairs Group, where served, until the unit deactivated on 9/30/78. He was transferred to the 353rd Civil Affairs Command, he was assigned to the 351st Pysop Bn. Where he served his remaining time in the US Army Reserve.
He received his Bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University in 1968, and his Masters degree from both Brown University and from Fairleigh Dickinson University in the 1980's.
Joseph worked in the marketing department for A.T.&T. in Basking Ridge, NJ before he retired in 2002.
Over the years Joseph served as Rockaway Township Councilman, Council President, Council Liason to the Board of Education, the Fire Department, Morris County Freeholders, Recreation, and Senior Citizens.. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Bernard's Parish and the American Legion Post 344 in Rockaway Twp. He was also an avid football fan, and coached Rockaway Township football, baseball and softball.
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Gloria J. (Balog) O'Connor of Rockaway Twp., NJ. He is also survived by his loving children Lori O'Connor (& Scott Hutchison) of Baltimore, MD, Greg O'Connor of Rockaway, NJ, Erin (& Vinnie) Kramer of Denville, and his siblings Mary Lou (& Ken) Schott of Midland Park, Kenneth O'Connor of West Orange, NJ and Roseanne (& Scott) Tucker of York, PA. He is also survived by 5 Nieces & Nephews.
Funeral services will be held from Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave Denville, NJ on Monday April 6, at 9AM for a 10AM Liturgy of Christian Burial Mass at St. Clement Pope & Martyr Church in Rockaway Twp. Friends may visit on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9PM. Please light a candle in his memory at: www.normandean.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 1275 York Avenue New York, NY 10131-0112.
