Rev. Msgr. Edward J. O'Connor

Rev. Msgr. Edward O’Connor, former pastor at St. James Ventnor died December 8 2003 at the age of 90 – the anniversary date of his ordination in 1939 in Rome Italy. Msgr. O’Connor retired November 15, 1983.

He was a quiet wonderfully wholesome priest who was well-liked and well-loved. He was capable and kind – one of the kindest guys you’d ever met – and one of our bright lights’ said Msgr. James A. Carr. ‘He set an inspiring example because he was always aware that he was a priest. Born in Camden New Jersey Msgr. O’Connor attended college at St. Charles Catonsville (MD) and St. Bernard Rochester (NY) and seminary at North American College (Rome). He was a pastor for 37 of his 44 years of active ministry. His parish assignments: pastor St. James Ventnor (1971-1983); pastor St. Joseph Somers Point (1967-1971); pastor St. Nicholas Egg Harbor (1954-1967); pastor St. Rose Newfield (1950-1954); pastor St. Mary Rosenhayn (1946-1950) and associate Our Lady Star of the Sea Atlantic City (1940-1946). He served as Dean for Atlantic County (1981) Diocesan Consultor (1981 1969) Vicar for Clergy (1976 1972) as well as priest personnel boards. He also served on the diocese’s Ecumenical Commission (1969) taught at Gloucester Catholic High School (1962) and served as assistant director of vocations (1950) and Promoter of Justice on the Diocesan Tribunal (1949). He is survived by his brother Monsignor Paul M. O’Connor; a sister-in-law Marilyn Masciulli; and four nephews and two nieces: Bob O’Neill Charles O’Neill Helen La Rose Patrick O’Connor Daniel O’Connor and Sharon O’Connor. The Mass of Jesus Christ the High Priest will be celebrated at St. Frances Cabrini Church on Atlantic Avenue in Ocean City at 8:00 PM on Friday December 12 2003. Monsignor Paul M. O’Connor will be the celebrant and Msgr. Joseph G. Stoerlein will be the homilist. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday December 13 2003 at 10:30 AM. Monsignor Thomas J. Morgan Apostolic Administrator of the diocese will be the Principal Celebrant and Monsignor Paul O’Connor will be the homilist.

The viewing will take place Friday December 12 from 2:00 PM to 7:45 PM and from 9:45 AM to 10:15 AM on Saturday December 13 2003. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass at Calvary Cemetery Cherry Hill.