"My thoughts and prayers are with DJ's family and loved ones. From climbing trees in the backyard as kids all the way through High School DJ was always interesting, wacky and fun. Peace my friend."
In loving memory of
Donald J. "DJ" O'Connor
December 3, 1968 - February 29, 2016
Mr. Donald J. "DJ" O'Connor, Jr., age 47 of Boynton Beach, FL and a former Utica, NY resident passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016 in the comfort of his home.
Born in Utica, NY on December 3, 1968, DJ is the son of Marlene (Leo) O'Connor and the late Donald J. O'Connor, Sr. Raised and educated locally, DJ was in the process of furthering his education to become an Occupational Therapist. Donald was employed by the City of Utica Police Department for 10 years. A strong willed, independent and determined man, Donald was strong in constitution and gentle in nature. He was an animal lover and a voracious reader and enjoyed his time spent in the gym bodybuilding.
Donald is survived by his mother, Marlene J. O'Connor of Utica, NY; his sister and brother-in-law, Michele and Raymond Della Gala, of Frankfort, NY; his brothers and sister-in-law, Timothy P. and Carol O'Connor of N. Utica, NY and David M. O'Connor of Utica, NY; his nieces and nephew, Rhiannon Rosati, Chelsea Rosati, Christine O'Connor and Brandon O'Connor who was also his godson; his great niece and nephew, Michael and Mia; his Aunt Catherine Bertuco and family of NC; his girlfriend, Melissa Smith and her daughter Alyssa; his close friends, Rich Angelini, Rich Roberts, Tony Marin, Joe Maltese and Rich Trevisani.
The family is thankful for the kindness and compassion shown to them during their loss.
DJ's family will honor and celebrate his life at a later date and time at Historic Old St. John's Church, 240 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY.
Tributes
"My deepest sympathy to the O' Connor family & the Smith family. I am sorry for your loss. "Doc" was a good friend. We had classes together at JFK and at Utica College. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "
""Doc" was one of a kind; a great friend who always kept us laughing and as loyal as they come. Its been a long time since our Utica days, though the memories remain near and dear. RIP my buddy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the O'Conner family."
"Marlene and family, I'm so sorry. Kimmy "
"Marlene, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of DJ, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers,"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. So sorry to hear of your loss. My Prayers to your family during this difficult time."
"Marlene, and family, so sorry to hear about your loss of "DJ" my prayers are with you and the family. I will keep you all in my prayers."
"So sorry to hear of DJ's passing. My heart goes out to his mom and family. I have many happy childhood memories. My heart goes out to you comare and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"During these emotionally difficult days, may you find comfort in knowing that God can heal your broken hearts, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)"
"What can I say, Don was a great friend and he will be missed. I will always remember the good times we had. Just thinking back on the cruises that we took brings back memories. I will miss going to the gym with you, talking on the phone and just hanging out. You were a great friend and I am glad that I had the pleasure of knowing you. Goodbye my friend!! I will never forget you!!
I want to say that I am so sorry for your loss Mrs. O'Connor and I want you to know that you can call me or my mom anytime for anything. We will always be there for you."
"I met Don 16 years ago . From the time that I met him until the last time we spoke only I share was beutiful moments.. I'm italian and because of that I had the pleasure to met his amazing mother We went out many times great man .. I was so happy when he told me that he had a girlfriend.. I was so happy for him... The last time we spoke he sound truly happy..I 'm so sad right now.. You are an angel now.. "
"I'm very sorry for your loss. I knew Don through Bruce Kelly and Marty Lupino. He was way to young to be taken by the Lord. I will pray for him and the family. "
"Going to miss my friend. Miss our talks on the phone and time spent together when I came to Florida. He always opened up his house for me. Be good my friend."
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Donald's family and friends. We will miss our neighbor. With sympathy, Gay and Tom O'Brien"
"Our condolences to the O'Conner family. We are sorry for your loss. I remember a lot of great times with "doc" hitting the local Utica bars. "Doc" was a great kid willing to do anything for his friends. He will be missed. With sympathy, the Cannistra family, Scott, Adrienne, Geri, Mark, and Todd."
"Our condolences to the whole family. We are so sorry. Love, Michele, Tony, Alison, Walter and Meredith "
"I am sorry for your loss and my condolences goes to the family. May all those memories shared, God's hope of seeing him again in the near future(Acts 24:15) and the peace that only our Heavenly Father can give us, guard your hearts and minds at this time of sorrow.(Philippians 4:5,6)"