Donald Joseph O'Connor

Donald J. (Doc) O’Connor of Mayo, MD passed away on December 12,2022 at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a brief illness. His loving wife, Jamie, was holding his hand as he went home to heaven to the open arms of his parents, James J. O’Connor and Anita B. O’Connor, his brother Thomas J. O’Connor and his sister Theresa M. Cox. He is survived by sons Troy M. O’Connor (wife Shannon and grandchildren James and Erin of Severna Park, MD) and Trenton J. O’Connor (wife Erin and granddaughter Ava of Boca Raton, Florida). Troy and Trenton are also the children of Deborah Everly O’Connor of Severna Park. Three stepchildren, Donna Flowers and Heather Drury of Georgia, and Tyler Flowers of the home also survive. Donnie will be deeply missed by brother J. Michael O’Connor (and Kay of Columbia, MD) and sister Kathleen M. Cramer (and Doug Pruett of Annapolis, MD). Donnie was born on July 25, 1948, and was raised in Beltsville, MD. He graduated from High Point High School class of 1967. His parents, Jim and Anita O’Connor always opened their door to the many lifelong friends Donnie and his brothers made over the years. There was never a ballgame or sporting event they wouldn’t watch together and if the games were over, there were the pool tables just down the road at Phil’s. Donnie had two pastimes he especially loved, playing softball and shooting pool, and he was good at both. He also had a very competitive nature and didn’t like losing either. Though in his later years he didn’t see them as often as he would have liked, Donnie still felt that special bond to his buddies; Mike, Merle, Wes, and Eddie, and often spoke of the good old days and the mischief they got into together. It may not be common knowledge, but Donnie also had a gentle heart and often teared up when recalling those times. Like the words from the old Willie Nelson song, “Lord when my work is done, bless my life and grant me one, old friend, at least one old friend”. Donnie was lucky, he had some really good ones. After high school graduation Donnie went on to Montgomery Junior College and an apprenticeship at Naval Ordnance Lab. He joined the Naval Reserves and worked at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing until his retirement in 2004. In later years during the Thursday night dinners that became a ritual with Donnie and his brothers and sisters there was nothing he enjoyed more than bragging about his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of each and every one of them. Friends and family are invited to attend the memorial service for Donnie on March 17th at 11:00 am. The service will be held at Riva Trace Baptist Church, 475 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD 21035.

Donald Joseph O'Connor

July 25, 1949 - December 12, 2022