Dennis O’Connor

February 18, 1944 - November 5, 2024

Dennis O’Connor passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 5 in Arlington. He was 80 years old. In his last days he was surrounded by loving family, friends, stories and laughter. He is survived by his sister, Terry O’Connor; three daughters, Kristen, Bethany and Katie O’Connor; two sons-in-law, CJ Kincius and Jeff Clark; three grandchildren, Connor, Julie and Maya Clark; his beloved caregiver Ayda Desta, and his devoted pet weasel Wynona.

Born February 18,1944, Dennis grew up with two brothers and a younger sister in New York City. He graduated from Fordham University and went on to receive his PhD in English Literature from Cornell University in 1975. A natural born teacher, he taught literature at Hobart and William Smith, Siena College and Georgetown University.

He was married to Janet Brown from 1975 until 2011 and they had three daughters. Although he considered pursuing a career as a fashion designer, Dennis ultimately chose to work for the Government Accountability Office from 1982 until he retired. Dennis’ faith was an important part of his life and the Pax Community gave him a loving community in his retirement. He also volunteered for L’Arche, an organization devoted to inclusion of all people, including people with and without intellectual disabilities.

He had a passion for conversation and was genuinely interested in all people. A friend pointed out that Dennis was one of the few people who “when he asked you how you were, it wasn’t just something he said, he legitimately wanted to know and would listen for however long you needed. He truly cared.” He loved ice cream, telling stories and all things ridiculous. His love of silliness, bad movies and appreciation for a good story made a lasting impression on those who knew him and ensured that they would find humor even in challenging times.

A celebration of life will take place in summer, 2025. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to L’Arche, a charity where he volunteered.

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I am so very sorry to hear of Professor O’Connor’s passing. Through the years, I did try to reconnect with him. Today was one f those times. I wish so much I had found him online or in person sooner. I was his graduate TA for a summer class he taught in 1977 at Cornell. His spirit and his teaching ability has guided my life. I was at Cornell, after graduating with my BA in 1976, and was a MAT candidate. The class was Science Fiction and Fantasy. Dr. O’Connor was by far the best educator I have met. His love of teaching and reaching students was amazing. I helped him that summer, but really he was mentoring me. I was a very hard person to reach and my boundaries were well defined. He finally reached my soul by the last weeks of that summer session. To this day, I remember him saying he wished he had known about my seeking God sooner. I know he prayed for me and was instrumental in my finally accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior in 1992. (I was a hard case.) In that class, the last novel we studied was Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Dr. O’Connor taught that great work with his whole heart and soul! He reached every student in that class with the hope and faith that Tolkien expressed! But I think I was the one he reached the most. The faith that was stirred by reading that work under Dr. O’Connor has kept me alive at dark times and shaped my life as a teacher in bright times! I read that tome at least once a year. Tolkien’s love, faith, mercy, and spirit have been my own salvation at times. Yes, I still teach high school English and yes, I still teach Tolkien, and yes, I still remember Dennis and thank God for using him to reach me. Long live Middle-earth! Thank you Dennis. May we meet again.

Oh my dear Dennis. Love to you and your family.

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