Dennis Michael O’Connor
October 26, 1950 - February 13, 2020
Irvine CA
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Dennis Michael O’Connor
October 26, 1950 - February 13, 2020
Irvine CA
Obituary
Born in Chicago in October of 1950, and raised in Altadena, California, Dennis Michael O’Connor spent most of his life in Southern California on what many might call a hero’s journey. Upon graduating from the USC School of Medicine, he did a residency in pediatrics, to the joy of the many families he looked after. Loving the children, but not so much the parents, he left his pediatric practice and did a second residency, this time in anesthesia. He found his niche there and made many lifelong friends, two of whom were by his side during his last days.
If James Lipton were to ask Dennis what his favorite word was, he would have replied “resident.” Teaching anesthesia residents was for Dennis a source of joy as well as a fountain of youth. After residents graduated from the program, he looked forward to seeing them at anesthesia meetings and was buoyed by their close connection which spanned decades.
That said, it was in May of 1998 that Dennis truly began to experience the joie de vivre that many only long for. With the birth of Fergus Patrick Daniel O’Connor, he found his true calling: that of being a father. Let it be known that there has never been a father who so desired to know his child. Dennis did not seek to mold Fergus into his preconceived image of what a son should be. No, Dennis sought to nurture and bring out who Fergus was in his deep heart’s core. He also exposed Fergus to his own interests — books and film — while Fergus reciprocated with his love of Legos, Star Wars, and photography.
Like many with Irish roots, Dennis was a passionate and highly principled individual. In addition, he had a way of making others feel like they were the only one in the room. Lives were changed. His memory will live on in a profound way. That is a certainty. Simply put: He lit up the room, and those who were impacted by him will do the same.
Requiescat in pace, Dennis Michael O’Connor.
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: February 29, 2020 (10:00 AM)
- Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
- Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 581-4300
14 responses to Dennis Michael O’Connor
Patricia Beason says:
February 27, 2020
I am so sorry Elaine. After reading about Dennis, I can only imagine what an impact he had on so many people. It sounds like he touched a lot of lives in a such a positive way and they in turn went on to touch so many more. I am thinking of you and Fergus at this difficult time.
Emmanuel Laguerre says:
March 4, 2020
Amazing man. Only had the privilege to work with him for a few weeks but that was enough for me to know how great of a man he was.
Rest in Pease Mr. O’Connor
Tony, Pat, and Chris says:
September 1, 2021
The Perez family sincerely wishes you peace and healing. You are always in our hearts, Elaine and Fergus.
Robert Carnes says:
October 3, 2021
Cherished friend from medical school and a shared profession of anesthesiology. This is too small a space to reflect on his life. He was a wonderful person–intelligent, caring, deeply committed to training his residents, and most of to his love and care for Ferg. To write that he will be missed seems to miss the mark a bit. I think he will always be remembered as the best of a class of ’77, the best and closest friend during those formative years.
Rob Carnes