William Joseph O'Connor

William J. O’Connor

(October 01, 1919 – January 3, 2020)

William (Bill) J. O’Connor age 100, passed away Friday January 3, 2020 at his home in Boca Raton, Florida.

Bill was born in Washington D.C. on October 1, 1919, to Anne and William E. O’Connor.  He grew up with his sisters, Mary Francis and Margaret and his brother John. He graduated from St. Johns College High School, Washington D.C. and Elon College, North Carolina.  Bill served as a U.S. Naval Officer in the South Pacific during World War II.

Following his U.S. Naval service, Bill joined his father’s company, Southern Wholesalers, Inc., and subsequently became the company President.  In addition to his career at Southern Wholesalers, some of Bill’s other business and civic affiliations included: Director of National Savings & Trust Washington D.C.; Trustee of Equitable Insurance Company, Washington D.C.; Director of Bank of Commerce, Washington D.C.; Director of Catholic Charities, Washington D.C.; and Member of Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Washington D.C.   After many years serving as president of Southern Wholesalers, Bill sold the company and transitioned into real estate investing.

Bill is survived by his brother, John O’Connor, Chevy Chase, MD; Bill’s six children: Elizabeth A. O’Connor, San Diego CA; Patricia O. (Kenneth) Bell, Havre de Grace, MD; William J. (Rebecca) O’Connor Jr., Boca Raton FL; Frederick J. (Dawn) O’Connor, Clovis CA; Mary Margaret (Kyle) Woolfolk, Midlothian VA;  Michael S. (Susan) O’Connor, Derwood, MD;  Bill’s seven step-children:  Joseph (Leslie) Kilroy, Fallbrook, CA; George (Margaret) Kilroy, Towson MD; Kathleen (Mark) Herndon, Rockville MD; Patricia (Terrence) McGann, Bethesda MD; Mary Louise (Raymond) Kenzik, Ormond Beach, FL.; Luke (Rita) Kilroy, Greensboro, NC; Elizabeth (John) Kachmor, Sneads Ferry, NC; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth M. O’Connor, his second wife, Mary C. O’Connor, and his sister, Mary Francis.  Shortly after Bill’s death, his sister, Margaret O’Connor Reardon passed away.

The family wishes to thank Bill’s friends, neighbors, staff and care givers of Aker-Kasten Home Health Care and Trustbridge Hospice for their comfort and kindness.

Memorial donations may be made to: Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Road, Washington, D.C., 20017

A memorial Mass will be held at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 3630 Quesada Street, NW, Washington, D.C., on Friday, April 17, 2020 at 11:00am.

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