O’Connor, John T. – Fred H. McGrath & Son, Inc.

John Thomas O’Connor, 64, passed on April 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. John dedicated his life to his three boys, his wife, his family and his many friends. He was a patron of education, a mentor to young colleagues, and a generous father.

John was born on October 27, 1960, in Long Island, NY, to John (“Jack”) and Gracia O’Connor. The family, including his younger sister Gracia and older brother, David, moved to Ramey Air Force base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, where John recalled watching B-52 bombers take off and land on the elevated runway. In the winter of 1969, the O’Connor family moved to Lavalette, NJ to be close to John’s grandparents. Lavalette would continue to hold a special place in John’s heart for the rest of his life. The family later moved to Treasure Island, FL, where John and his brother could be found playing Little League together.

After High School at Admiral Farragut Academy, John eventually made his way north, attending Gettysburg College, where he met the future mother of his three sons, Charlene Christie (nee Milke). Following his graduation with honors, John attended the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University to pursue a law degree, where in 1986 he graduated first in his class. John started his legal career as an M&A attorney at the international law firm Milbank LLP in 1988, where he became a partner and spent 20 years building the M&A practice. John continued his career at Hunton Andrews Kurth for 13 years before retiring in April 2024. Throughout his career, John helped to mentor countless young attorneys as they navigated their own paths.

On May 3rd, 2023, John married the love of his life, Marina Andguladze in true Vegas style—at a little white chapel, just the two of them, no fuss, no audience, but it was perfect for them—private, a little rebellious, and full of love. Despite their busy lives and full schedules, the two made it a priority to travel whenever they could—exploring the charm and history of Rome, the beauty of Naples (both in Italy and Florida), and escaping to the Caribbean for moments of rest and joy.

Together, they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and love, calling both White Plains, NY, and Stamford, CT home. Through Marina, John’s heart expanded even more as he became a proud stepfather to Lasha and Salome, and a joyful grandfather to Sandro and Kote,and granddaughter Anastasia. Completing the big, beautiful family he had always dreamed of.

John had a deep love for the beach and ocean from his time in Puerto Rico, Florida, and most importantly, Lavalette. His fondest memories were his summers with his family and friends at his family home on the bay. John maintained that family home, which he rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy. He loved nothing more than spending time on the balcony looking over the bay with his loved ones, and their dogs.

A high-achiever in all aspects of life John was an avid athlete. When he was young he surfed, sailed, played tennis, basketball, and football. He passed down his love of sports to his sons who fondly remember being pushed into waves on yellowed surfboards, trying to return his baseline forehand, and the three-man fully padded football practices he held on Sundays at the field by their childhood home. Later in his life he could be found on the golf courses of Scarsdale Golf Club, Pound Ridge, and Leewood where he kept the caddies and the grounds crews busy.

John served on the board of Trustees at both Gettysburg College and Pace University. As an outspoken man of principle he was known for always ‘telling it like it is,’ and was never afraid to voice dissenting opinions. He served both institutions with the utmost charity and willingness to help students and alumni alike. Networking was one of his favorite activities and there are an immeasurable number of relationships that were forged through John’s hands.

John was uniformly known as someone who had directed his many life experiences toward helping others. He was always there to support his family and friends. Nothing was more important to John than making sure his three boys and their growing families were cared for and doing well, including his young grandson for whom he had immense love and admiration. John showed unwavering love and commitment to his brother and sister throughout his life.

John is survived by his wife Marina, his three sons Charlie (Alexa), Jay (Tori), Ted (Erin), his sister Gracia (Denise), his niece’s Journey and Lindsay, his nephews Ryan and Colin, and his grandson Callum.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Gracia, and his brother, David.

John’s family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to friends and family members who have offered support during this time. A viewing will take place on Tuesday, April 29th, at Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home in Bronxville, NY, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A service of remembrance will be at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University

Condolences(11)

Lori Kanner says
April 23, 2025 at 1:51 pm

You will be greatly missed.
Diane Schwartz says
April 24, 2025 at 12:51 pm

A true friend and power of example to me and so many others.. You have touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace John.
Glenn Smart says
April 24, 2025 at 1:23 pm

A lifetime friend and fraternity brother since our times at Gettysburg. Very sad that JT had to leave us all so young. Being a Jersey beach boy myself, I always remember our times together singing South Side Johnny songs whenever I hear them. My deepest condolences to all that are sadden and affected by JT’s early departure. Rest in peace John Thomas. Smarty
Norman Goldstein says
April 24, 2025 at 2:06 pm

A leader w dignity determination courage and honor. John your presence will be deeply missed.
Ivan Seidenberg says
April 24, 2025 at 3:09 pm

To John’s Family, I served with John on the Pace Board for many years. He was outstanding, always knowledgeable ,full of common sense and a very strong advocate for Pace. He will be missed and we will all think about John and his family during this difficult time….ivan seidenberg
Pete Harju says
April 26, 2025 at 6:31 pm

Rest in Peace my friend. You will be remembered and missed by many as you journey ahead.
Jon Gitlin says
April 27, 2025 at 1:12 pm

John’s untimely passing leaves a huge hole that “only love can fill”.* He was a brilliant lawyer who refused to take himself too seriously, always talked about his kids, and always had time for others. His wit and booming laugh (dubbed “the dulcet tones of John O’Connor” at Milbank) were never far away. He was a force of nature and true foxhole guy with a heart of gold. I am forever grateful to him as a key mentor and friend. Love and vibes to his family. (* = Jerry)
Phil Berkowitz says
April 27, 2025 at 5:25 pm

Rest in Peace my friend. I had the pleasure and honor of getting to know John well at Milbank over 30 years ago. I was a young attorney fresh out of Hofstra Law School surrounded by brilliant minds (much smarter than me) and with much better educational backgrounds. John immediately took me under his wings. Maybe it was our similar journeys and our backgrounds. John taught me so much and was a mentor. He really shaped a lot of my early thinking on professional life and how to carry oneself and build relationships. John was one of the most loyal and trusted individuals I have ever met. He was so talented and what a spectacular attorney. John would go the extra mile to do the right thing. Always. And always looking after his clients. No politics with John. He was a straight shooter and so so talented. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to spend time with John back then. He always talked (and bragged) about his kids. I can recall so many late nights where he would take me through each of the kids’ lives. John – you will be missed, you really had an impact on my life and my deepest condolences to the family. Best phil.
Mimi Banta says
April 28, 2025 at 12:53 pm

John and I are deeply saddened to learn of JT’s passing. We remember him as a treasured friend from our college days at Gettysburg, through our early years as professionals in Washington, D.C., and as young parents in our 30s.
We have many fond memories of JT and the wonderful ways he contributed to our lives. His generosity — sharing the Lavallette home, organizing ski vacations, and so much more — created special moments that we and our children will always cherish.
As life moves forward and time inevitably creates distance, JT was the one who consistently reached out, keeping connections alive regardless of how often he heard from us. That is the mark of a true friend — and he will be greatly missed.
John and Mimi Banta
Eric Lint says
April 28, 2025 at 5:56 pm

I met John when were were Trustees together on the Gettysburg College Board. He became a trusted colleague and friend, and I always admired his intelligence, common sense, and his ability to deliver his perspectives forcefully and quasi-tactfully. John was a force of nature. I admired him and enjoyed his company very much. To John’s extended family, I am sorry for your loss and hope that you can take some solace in his life so well lived and his immense generosity.
jane hinton says
April 30, 2025 at 2:27 pm

I was so sorry to hear this news; John was a great partner and always such a support when I arrived at Hunton.

O’Connor, John T. October 27, 1960 - April 21, 2025

Condolences(11)

Lori Kanner says

Diane Schwartz says

Glenn Smart says

Norman Goldstein says

Ivan Seidenberg says

Pete Harju says

Jon Gitlin says

Phil Berkowitz says

Mimi Banta says

Eric Lint says

jane hinton says

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