Tara Megan O’Connor

Tara grew up in Tribeca where she attended P.S. 234, IS 89, and Lab. Following high school, she spent a semester at New Paltz and the remainder of her college career at Geneseo where she graduated cum laude with a degree in sociology.

As a New Yorker Tara built a life of adventure in the city she loved. Never one to pass up a good thrift shop, or a new restaurant. She also had a great appreciation for live theater as well as standup comedy. She was also a familiar face at the gym, she found her rhythm in Zumba classes, where her spirit truly shone. A savvy shopper with a keen eye and an entrepreneurial spirit, her radiant style will never be forgotten.

Tara was an animal lover, volunteering for several rescue groups, fostering many dogs and eventually adopting one of her own. Her love and enthusiasm were so infectious she even got her parents to adopt two dogs of their own.

Professional and driven Tara found great satisfaction in her career as a host at the Empire State Building. She took pride in being a part of such an iconic place in the city that she loved. She was beloved by coworkers and guests alike.

When she wasn’t working, she loved traveling the world seeking new cultures and experiences. During college she studied abroad in Amsterdam and Prague and later would go on to visit more than 35 countries on four continents. Her love of travel taught her so much about different cultures and people, leading her to better understand and appreciate the many people she would meet daily.

Yet despite her many travels, her heart remained firmly rooted here with her family and friends. She deeply cherished her relationship and lifelong bond with a core group of friends from her childhood, a testament to her loyalty.

Her kindness towards her family, friends and even strangers was limitless. Always putting others before herself, if she ever saw someone sad or in need, she would try her best to cheer them up with a smile or “how can I help?” From building houses for habitat for humanity to helping foreign students get their bearings in America. She loved as she was loved 1000%

She is survived by her mother Theresa, née Kilimet, father Andrew and brother Michael along with countless family and friends who loved and adored her.

Her light was so bright it will be missed forever.

Visitation services will be held at Chas. Peter Nagel Funeral Directors, located at 352 East 87th Street, New York, NY 10128, on January 5, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and again from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The committal service is scheduled for January 6, 2026, from 11:15 am to 12:00 pm at St. Raymond's New Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Ave, New York, NY 10465.