Memorial service for John D. O’Connor planned for June 20

A memorial service for John David O’Connor will be held Monday, June 20, at 5 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel. O’Connor, manager for Syracuse University Mail Services for more than 20 years, died on May 5. He was 49.

O’Connor was a member of the SU community for more than 30 years. He began working for Parking Services in 1982, while he was a student. His many jobs within that department included as a driver for Chancellor Melvin Eggers and night supervisor. He joined the Mail Services department in 1987 and became manager in 1988. In that role, O’Connor was nominated for several awards because of his outstanding efforts in the use of technology, keeping Syracuse University on the leading edge of automation. In 1995, he was awarded the USPS Mail Center manager Award by the National Postal Forum.

“John was a loyal and dedicated member of the University community,” says Allan Breese, the University’s director of Business and Facilities Maintenance Services. “He will certainly be missed.”

O’Connor also supported many charities, including Toys for Tots, Vera House and the United Way. “John was a big man with a big heart who gave freely to his family, friends and numerous charities,” says Krystal Porter, O’Connor’s colleague in Mail Services. “He truly lived by the expression of ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Funeral services were held for O’Connor in May in New York City. He is survived by his mother, Edsel Dolores O’Connor; two sisters, Jamila Rufaro and Regina Waller; a brother, Glynn O’Connor; and several nieces and nephews.