On Tuesday, August 18, St. Francis de Sales was surrounded by New York City’s Boldest as they paid respects and laid one of their own to rest. On Wednesday, August 12, Rockaway resident Noreen Patricia O’Connor, a 44-year veteran of the NYC Department of Correction (DOC), died. She was 68.
According to her obituary, O’Connor was born in New York City to John and Katherine O’Connor. She grew up in Washington Heights alongside her siblings but spent many summers in Rockaway Beach until her family made the permanent move in 1974. O’Connor had a child of her own, Casey, in 1976, before beginning a epic career in DOC.
At the time of her passing, O’Connor was DOC’s longest active serving female Correction Officer. “Over more than four decades of service, she earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and mentored generations of fellow officers. She will be remembered for the kindness, professionalism, wisdom, and dedication she brought to her work and to those around her,” her obituary read.
Beyond her career, O’Connor’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved son, Casey; her five grandchildren, Alexsys, Ryan, Riley, Daniella, and Carter; her sisters, Margaret and Katherine; her brother-in-law, Brendan; and her nieces, Kathryn and Tara. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Katherine O’Connor, and her brother, Sean O’Connor.
Following the well-attended funeral at SFDS on Tuesday morning, O’Connor was buried at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village.
