David James O'Connor

June 28, 1937 – June 20, 2025

David O’Connor passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as deep and enduring as the sea he cherished. He was a man of quiet strength, sharp creativity, and steadfast devotion to those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his father, David O’Connor; his mother, Edna O’Connor; his beloved son, Roger O’Connor; and his great granddaughter, Ruth Penny. He is survived by his son, Doug O’Connor, and wife, Suzee O’Connor; his grandson, Parker O’Connor, and partner, Blaine Riggs; his granddaughter, Madeline Penny, and husband, Tyler Penny; and their daughter, Edith Penny; along with countless family and friends.

David proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Kodiak Alaska, where he developed a lifelong connection to the sea and the wild beauty of nature that he captured in photographs. After his service, that connection only deepened—eventually leading him to spend his retirement sailing the world, charting his own course and finding peace in open waters. Creating lasting relationships and countless memories. He had a strong love of reading and writing, and became a published writer.

He was a man of contrasts: creative yet disciplined, solitary yet deeply connected to the people he loved.

When he wasn’t at sea, he was either caught cheering on the Steelers or reading a book. He found purpose and joy working with close friends on their farm—digging into the land with the same tenacity he brought to everything else in life. David lived by doing. He didn’t talk much about his feelings; he showed them—in actions, in loyalty, in presence.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 27th, 2025 at Hahn-Cook Funeral Chapel at 2:00 p.m., with a graveside service to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.