Obituary of Richard T. O'Connor

Richard T. O’Connor, of Spring Lake, passed away on February 27, 2016, in the comforting presence of his loving family. Richard was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Anne and William O’Connor. He was a proud graduate of St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, and continued his education at Montclair State College. After serving as an officer in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960, Richard attended George Washington University School of Law, where he was the recent cases editor of the Law Review and a member of Phi Delta Phi. After a judicial clerkship in Union County, Richard relocated to Freehold, a town he loved, where he raised his family and built a successful and rewarding law practice. He brought his sterling character and unwavering integrity to his practice of law, was universally regarded for his civility and respect for others, and received multiple awards for his professionalism throughout his career. He was very active in Monmouth County politics and was a close advisor to the late Congressman James J. Howard. Richard’s public service included positions as Monmouth County Counsel and Special County Counsel for more than twenty years. He also represented various public entities including the Boroughs of Freehold and Red Bank and the Townships of Howell and Manalapan. He was lead counsel in many critical cases involving urban renewal and Special Improvement Districts, and was instrumental in the development of the Hudson Manor Senior Living Community in Freehold. Richard had an exuberance for life that he actively and intentionally instilled in his large and close knit family, be it through repeatedly orchestrating “once in a lifetime” family vacations, hosting his famed post Spring Lake Five parties, or engaging in spirited card games at the kitchen table. He leaves his family with treasured memories and a deep appreciation for the significance of family and friendship. A man of strong Catholic faith, Richard was generous and kind, with the extraordinary gift of making others feel valued. Richard is predeceased by his parents, a sister Margaret Town, and a brother Jack O’Connor. He is survived by his loving French wife of 56 years, Nicole; his four children: Jeanne of Englewood, Anne and husband David of Wall; John and wife Ellen of Middletown; and James and wife Susan of Freehold; as well as thirteen loving grandchildren: Ashley, Taylor, Joshua, Jake, Olivia, Matthew, Michael, Sean, Luke, Danny, Ryan, Jacqueline, and Jack; and two brothers, James O’Connor of Colorado, and William O’Connor of Maryland. The viewing will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold, on Thursday, March 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church on Friday, March 4, at 10 a.m., followed by interment at the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, Office of Advancement, 520 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Newark, New Jersey 07102.