John T. O'Connor

John Timothy O’Connor of Pelham, New York, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at the age of 79.

John was born in the Bronx, New York, on October 16th to Timothy and Jane O’Connor. He was the oldest of two children and was raised in the Bronx, where he attended Cardinal Spellman High School before continuing his education at Pratt Institute.

After graduating from college, John enlisted in the United States Navy, joining on his 23rd birthday. He was stationed aboard the USS Saratoga in Mayport, Florida. Following his honorable discharge, John continued his service by joining the Naval Reserves.

John dedicated his professional life to helping others. He worked as an alcohol and drug counselor in rehabilitation centers and correctional facilities throughout New York State. His compassion extended well beyond the workplace. John had a genuine passion for helping people and would often take the time to speak with patients after hours or even encounter them on the street, simply to make sure they were doing okay.

Outside of work, John had a lifelong love of fishing. He enjoyed all kinds of fishing, from saltwater and freshwater fishing to fly fishing. He especially cherished his weekends in Roscoe, New York, where he could pursue his love of fly fishing. In fact, he even spent part of his honeymoon fly fishing in Roscoe.

John met the love of his life, Eileen Hynes, at the Front Page Restaurant in Mount Vernon, where Eileen worked as a waitress. John had gone to visit the owner, Billy Blake, and that chance encounter would lead to a 35 year love story. After dating for two years, John and Eileen were married in 1991. Together, they first settled in Warwick, New York, before eventually making their home in Pelham.

John and Eileen enjoyed spending their free time together, taking day trips and traveling to Long Beach Island and Vermont. Some of John’s happiest moments, however, were spent with his grandchildren. He loved picking them up from school, taking them to Toys “R” Us, and, naturally, taking them fishing.

John will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his grumpy side, his intelligence, kindness, generosity, and, above all, his loving heart. He had a unique ability to make people laugh and a deep commitment to those he cared about. He touched the lives of countless people through his work, his friendships, and his family, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Eileen; his children, Kristen Rico, Timothy O’Connor, and Robert O’Connor; his stepsons, John Hynes (Jessica) and James Hynes (Katherine); and his six cherished grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his sister Mary Jane Butler. He will also be lovingly remembered by his extended family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York, on Friday, August 28th from 4:00–8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 575 Fowler Avenue, Pelham Manor, New York, on Saturday, August 29th, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Greenwood Union Cemetery, Rye, NY.

For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.