Obituary of J. Patrick O'Connor

J. (Joseph) Patrick O’Connor passed away on September 20, 2015 at the age of 81. He was predeceased by his sister Judith Ann Balcerak. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nelly “Nell” O’Connor; sons, Michael (Lisa); Christopher, and Damien (Monica) O’Connor. Grandchildren: Mark, Timmy, Jack, Damien, Jr., Mary, Ana, Trenton, and Adrianna. There are also numerous family member both in the U.S. and in Belgium. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was very involved in ecumenical and inter-faith dialogues as a long-time member of the Catholic Diocese’s Ecumenical and Inter-religious ministry. Has represented the Roman Catholic Diocese for many years to the Muslim Community, was principal writer and negotiator for the Agreement of Understanding and Cooperation between the Diocese and the Council of Masajid. This was the first of its kind anywhere. In addition, he represented the Diocese to the Inter Faith Forum and served on its Steering Committee for a good many of years plus participating in Episcopalian/ Roman Catholic Dialogue. He was a member of the first board of advisers of The Center For Interfaith Studies at Nazareth College He was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus having been a Charter Member of both Our Lady of the Cenacle Council and St. Thomas More Council of which he was a Past Grand Knight and Currently a Trustee of Saint Louis Council also a Charter member of that council plus also being a Life Member of the Bishop Kearney 4th Degree assembly K. of C. In addition he was a member of the Friends of The Rochester Psychiatric Center as well as a member of the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Retired Public Employees Association. He was retired from NYS-DOCS as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor. He had been awarded The Bishop Matthew Clark Interfaith Award for “dedicated services to the interfaith community of Rochester.” He had been part of the former St. Martin de Pores Puerto Rican Center and subsequently designed a business educational program at the former World Institute of Business for Hispanic young adults. He was a member of St. Louis Church, in Pittsford for over 45 years and was involved in many ministries there such as Lector, RCIA program, Stephen Ministry, Parish Council and Tithing Committee. Calling Hours will be from 3:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday September 28 at Miller Funeral Home, 3325 South Winton Road, Rochester. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Louis Church, 64 S. Main Street, Pittsford (Click for a Map to Church) at 11:00 am on Tuesday September 29 followed by a reception in Reddington Hall. Home Henrietta, New York Birthplace Rochester, New York Donations Donations made be made to: School of the Holy Childhood 100 Groton Parkway Rochester, New York 14623 Link to the Website Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary 77 Adams Street, PO Box 111 Fairhaven, MA 02719-0111 Link to the Website …… in his memory.