Dennis John O’Connod
1938 - Jan. 5, 2017
Dennis John O'Connor, age 78, of Atherton, passed away on January 5 in Monterey, California after an extended illness, with his loving wife, Christy at his side.
Dennis was born in San Jose in 1938, and two years later the family moved to San Francisco, where his father, Hugh "Bucky" O'Connor joined the SFPD. His mother, Lorraine, was a legal secretary. He attended St. Emydius School and graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School. Dennis earned a coveted spot on the USC football team on scholarship and played under Trojan end coach Al Davis. He was a graduate of USC, earning both his BS, '62 and MBA, '65. Dennis also served in the Air National Guard.
Following graduate studies, Dennis traveled extensively through Europe, where he began developing an eye for European architecture and design, and honing his drawing and painting skills. He also gained an appreciation for his Irish ancestry and after many trips to Ireland, eventually became a dual citizen of both Ireland and the US.
His early career included corporate marketing, public relations management posts in banking, insurance, real estate, transportation and manufacturing in both LA and Northern California. A decade later, relocating to his beloved Bay Area, Dennis and several other investors including his brother Tom, opened legendary Gatehouse Bar and Grille in downtown Palo Alto. During that time, he also discovered his true passion in real estate design and development. In 1977, he founded The O'Connor Company, Inc., a successful general contracting company providing design and building services on the Peninsula, and served as its president for its entire span of over 35 years.
In 1980, he also established Selby House Fine Interiors in Menlo Park, where it still thrives under managing partner Elizabeth Hill. In 1990, Dennis created a new landscape design division, Dennis J. O'Connor and Associates Fine Home and Garden Design, and ten years later, Dennis J. O'Connor LLC. Dennis never dreamed of retiring because he loved his work, and could often be found working on new designs on his drawing board and helping clients in the design process. Known for his creative mind and extraordinary talent, his exquisite hand drawn sketches and renderings are rare and treasured by clients in a world where computer aided drafting has become the norm. Dennis's legacy will be enjoyed for years to come in the many fine custom homes he has designed on the Peninsula and beyond.
Dennis also joined investors in 1985 in founding a new bank, San Mateo County National Bank, and served on its board of directors; eventually through a series of mergers and acquisitions the bank was acquired by Greater Bay Bancorp and finally by Wells Fargo Bank in 2007.
Dennis also found time for community service, serving on several committees and charity boards, including nine years on Archbishop Riordan's advisory board to give back to the school community that, along with his loving mother and strong father, helped shape his character andideals. Dennis and Christy met and married in Carmel, and together spent many happy years exploring the natural beauty along the coast and beyond, spending time at the Carmel cottage, working side by side and enjoying life and the company of their friends and family.
When not working, Dennis spent well deserved time relaxing outdoors under his beloved redwoods. He loved the beauty of nature, animals, classic cars, and all things well designed. An avid reader and sports enthusiast, he followed Giants baseball and college football and basketball. He enjoyed his hiking and camping trips in the Sierra, and always treasured a good tall tale and the camaraderie of friends.
Dennis was a loyal friend, taken from us too soon. We will forever cherish his sense of fun and adventure, the twinkle in his eye, warm smile, quick wit, and gentle, strong and generous spirit. Dennis had an affinity for serving others, and his wisdom, intellect, creative mind, talent and endless energy will remain with us forever. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine Reddington O'Connor; father, HughR. "Bucky" O'Connor, and brother, Gerry O'Connor. He is survived by his wife, Christy Ferguson; siblings, Tom O'Connor, Sharon Priolo and Suzanne O'Shea; sister in law, Gail Corzo, and brother in law, Mani Corzo; and twenty nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Save the Redwoods League, 111 Sutter Street 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104; or The United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Avenue (at Sloat Boulevard), San Francisco, California 94116, or to a charity of your choice . A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, January 19, at St. Emydius Church, 286 Ashton St., San Francisco, with Fr. Bill Brady officiating; reception to celebrate Dennis's life to follow.