Stephen John O'Connor

Steve grew up in Worcester, MA, and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the then Hotel Restaurant program. During his thirty plus years in the hospitality industry with Marriott, he did everything from manage restaurants at Kennedy Airport to opening hotels around the country, to corporate responsibilities at headquarters. After retiring from Marriott, he then spent eleven years at ESPN with responsibilities for executive and talent acquisition.

During all these years he was also a force for good in the communities in which he lived and worked. He served on numerous boards of institutions including Purdue University, Johnson & Wales and the University of Maryland Universities at Shady Grove. He helped develop the hospitality programs at various universities that grew due to the financial support of the Marriott Corporation. After our retirement to Williamsburg, Steve focused his talent on working with non-profit groups, especially the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra and organizations such as Natasha House that he met through work with Network Peninsula.

Steve also worked hard as a member and president of the TRCC Board of Governors. In particular with this work, we are very grateful for the kind letters and cards that have been brought to our home by folks whose lives he touched for good.

At this time any services are private. We may host a public celebration of Steve’s life in the future.

We appreciate all the kindness so many have shown to us during these difficult last few months.

-Barbara O’Connor and sons