John M. O'Connor

1922 - 2011

John Michael O'Connor was born on April 20, 1922, in St. Paul, Minnesota and passed away on August 21, 2011, in Long Beach, California. He was raised in St. Paul with his 6 brothers and sisters. On March 24, 1940, John joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17. He was part of the island-hopping campaign conducted by the U. S. Marines in the South Pacific during World War II. John participated in major battles on Guadalcanal, was seriously wounded on Tarawa and was awarded the Purple Heart. Due to his extensive injuries, he was transported across the world to the Naval Hospital at Balboa Park in San Diego, California. As chance would have it, on December 13, 1943, the first woman John met at the hospital was a beautiful Wave named Laura Bishop. It was love at first sight and within a year they were married on December 11, 1944. They made their first home in Long Beach, California, where their daughter, Cheryl was born. In 1947 they moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where John attended the University of Minnesota. Following John's graduation, he joined Deluxe Check Printers and their second daughter, Gail was born. After a few years, they moved back to Long Beach where John and Laura established their lifelong residence. In short succession two more daughters, Kathleen and Laurie were born. Throughout the years John and Laura provided their four girls with a rich, loving and fulfilling family life. Joining Our Lady of Refuge Church in 1953, John and Laura forged many wonderful friendships that are still strong today. In 1973 they bought their ranch in Oregon and built a beautiful second home which they enjoyed with family and friends for 38 years. After retiring in 1984, John and Laura began a new phase of life, which included traveling and spending more time with their loved ones. John and Laura were afforded the opportunity to meet more often with the California Chapter of the 2nd Marine Division, connecting with treasured friends, enjoying many happy times going to reunions, and traveling. John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Laura; his four daughters: Cheryl Spurlock (Roger), Gail Schack (Bob), Kathleen O'Connor, and Laurie Christmas; two granddaughters: Emily Casey (Paul) and Jenny Fuller (Josh); six great grandchildren; his brother, Bob, and numerous nieces and nephews. John's personality always made him the funniest and happiest guy at any event or party. He treated everyone with respect and was a gifted man who made everyone he met feel special. He will be dearly missed. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Refuge Church, 5195 E. Stearns St., on Wednesday, August 31, at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made in John's name to The Second Marine Division Association, General Fund, P.O. Box 8180, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547. Please sign the guestbook for John at www.luybenfamilyd-m.com. Semper Fi.

Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401