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Rev. Joseph F. O'Connor, O.S.A. (1915 - 1964)

Rev. Joseph F. O'Connor, O.S.A. entered eternal life October 26, 1964.

Joseph Francis O'Connor was born September 19, 1915 in Brookline, Massachusetts to Joseph P. and Mary M. (Bowlen) O'Connor. He was Baptized September 25, 1915 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Brookline. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation April 7, 1929 at the same church.

After completing his elementary and secondary education at St. Mary School, Brookline, Joseph entered the Augustinian program of formation as a post-graduate student September 10, 1934. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate November 16, 1924. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine November 17, 1935 and solemn (permanent) vows November 17, 1938.

He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1939. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D. C. He was ordained a Priest May 28, 1942. He earned an M. A. in Sociology from Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1943.

Father O'Connor was assigned in 1943 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, where he served until 1950. He taught History and was Athletic Director. During his time at St. Rita, he also served as a Chaplain for the Illinois National Guard.

In 1950 Father O'Connor was named Assistant Pastor of St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Flint, Michigan. In 1958 he was transferred to St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. In 1959, he suffered the first of several heart attacks. In 1961 he was assigned to St. Monica Novitiate, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to recover from a second heart attack. He returned in 1962 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he served as Assistant Procurator (Business Manager).

Father O'Connor died suddenly of another heart attack October 26, 1964 in Needham, Massachusetts.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at St. Mary Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, 5401 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago, IL 60615-5664, or via Augustinian Guild Secure On-line Giving.