Obituary of Donald J. O'Connor

Donald J. O’Connor, 58, of Hazlet passed away Friday, April 26^th at Bayshore Medical Center.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Donald attained his Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University and his MBA from St. John’s University.  He retired as the Chief Compliance Officer for The Benchmark Company, NY.

Donald was a parishioner at St. Benedict RC Church, Holmdel and a member of their Knights of Columbus.

Donald played hockey in the men’s league at the Red Bank Armory and coached his son at Woodbridge Hockey League. He enjoyed watching his daughter’s figure skating and horseback riding lessons and at her equestrian shows.  Donald was active in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #92, helping guide his son to become an Eagle Scout. He loved going camping with his son and the troop and he enjoyed vacationing at his favorite beaches in Lavelette and Stone Harbor. Donald was proud of his children and was always their biggest supporter and fan.

Donald enjoyed music, especially live music, and the band Emerson Lake and Palmer.  His first date with Cheryle was to a Queen concert. Donald was also an avid runner and competed in the New York Marathon.

Donald’s dry wit, sarcasm and sense of humor will be greatly missed by his wife and children.

Surviving is his wife Cheryle; his children Joseph and Emily; his brothers George O’Connor, Dover, DE, and Michael O’Connor & his wife Maureen, Middletown and his sister Mary O’Connor, Cumming, GA.

Visitation Wednesday, May 1^st 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel.  Mass of Christian burial Thursday, May 2^nd 10:00 am at St. Benedict RC Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel.  In lieu of traditional remembrances, donations would be appreciated in Donald’s memory to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation; myotonic.org. For messages of condolence, please visit Donald’s page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.