Michael "Mickey" J. O'Connor Died August 12, 2020

 

NORTHPORT – Michael Jerome O’Connor, 84, of Northport, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.

Mickey was born on May 2, 1936 in Highland Park, MI, the son of James and Eulela (Rush) O’Connor.  On Sept. 11, 2002, he married Susan Hammersley, who survives.

He grew up in a large Irish family and attended school in the Birmingham area.  Mickey was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1966.  After leaving the church in 1972, his enjoyable personality and soft skills led him down a successful path in sales.  He lived the river and boating life in St. Clair, MI, then eventually finishing his professional career in the petroleum industry and relocating to northern Michigan.   He was extremely compassionate and kind to all of those he encountered.  He supported the ACLU, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and always contributed to others in need.  Mickey was the area Honoree at the 2019 Walk for Alzheimer’s.

Mickey was a lifelong golfer, a member of two traveling clubs, The Dirty Dozen and the Northern Tissue Open.  As member #0001, he had the honor of hitting the first drive at the opening of Northport Creek Golf Course.  His positive attitude always had him using a nice new white ball on a par three, in the event one ended up displayed on his mantle.  And it did work out that way at least once.  Known for his sense of humor, Mickey was an accomplished jokester, sometimes working days to pull off an elaborate prank.  He loved Laurel and Hardy and never missed reading his comic strips.  Mickey also loved his cats and ironically tamed (much to Sue’s discontent) many generations of squirrels and chipmunks.   With Susan, he traveled throughout Europe and China and cruised the Caribbean.   He was a wonderful host and enjoyed entertaining his beloved O’Connor clan and friends.   Although Mickey had no children of his own, he was adored by all of his nieces and nephews.   He made sure each one of them believed they were his favorite.

In addition to his wife, Mickey is survived by his step-children, Christopher (Karen) Hammersley, Carla (Scott) Barcey, and Andrew (Mollie) Hammersley; three step-grandchildren, Jess, Michael, and Christopher Hammersley; siblings, Patrick H. O’Connor, Richard F. (Jean) O’Connor, Mary E. Denison, Terry C. O’Connor, Susan M. (John) Kirkland; and forty loving nieces and nephews and almost one hundred grand & great grand nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his siblings, James E., Marjorie A., and Joseph A. O’Connor.

Mickey loved his 5 o’clock cocktail.   If you are so inclined, give him an Irish toast from where ever you may be on Sunday August 30^th.

A Mass will be said by Mickey’s lifelong friend, Father Paul Chateau, at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Please share condolences with Mickey’s family below or on the funeral home Facebook page.