Paul Gregory O'Connor

Paul Gregory O’Connor, Physical Therapist

Paul Gregory O’Connor, beloved husband of Elizabeth H. O’Connor died on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at his home in River Ridge. Born in Bristol, Pennsylvania on May 9, 1926 to Thomas Francis O’Connor and Rose Kaiser O’Connor, he graduated from St. James High School in Chester, Pennsylvania. He entered the U. S. Marines and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was part of the occupying troops in Nagasaki. Paul graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmetsburg, Maryland and from the University of Pennsylvania with a Physical Therapy Certificate. He was part of the Salk Vaccine Polio Team, and helped to write the original Medicare Regulations in Washington, D.C. Paul practiced physical therapy for 60 years in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Louisiana. In his work, he demonstrated efficacy of medical care delivered in the home. Over the years, he worked as chief physical therapist in hospitals, founded physical therapy departments, and was a co-founder of Gulf South Home Health and Rehabilitation was commissioned in public health service as commander. Additionally, he sat on several boards including the National Safety Council and the Home Care Louisiana Association. Paul was also a member of many organizations throughout his life, including the American Physical Therapy Association, the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association, the Colonial Golf and Country Club, the Marine Corps League, the Military Officers Association of America, Deutches Haus, Military District Washington Officers Club Fort Myer, Bards of Bohemia (king in 1996), the Thinking Man’s Book Club, and St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church.

He was regarded as a kind and thoughtful man who cared deeply about his family, friends, and patients. Paul was ever the gentleman. He was a strong advocate for the quality of his patients’ medical care and practiced holistically. He loved reading, traveling, football, and going to concerts, especially to hear the Irish music of Danny O’Flaherty. He placed a great emphasis on education.

Special thanks to family friends, and neighbors who made his last days easier and more pleasant. He will always be loved and missed by his wife and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Hofmann O’Connor, his sisters, Rosemary Budzilowicz, Priscilla O’Connor, and his brother George O’Connor and his wife, and his children, Mark Francis O’Connor, and three daughters. He was preceded in death by his son, Paul O’Connor, Jr.

All are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street on Friday, May 25, 2012 at 12:00 Noon with visitation at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 A.M In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Paul’s name. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com.