Robert J. O'Connor, Aurora's 58th Mayor, Dies At 78

AURORA, IL — Robert J. O'Connor, Aurora's 58th mayor and a longtime alderman, died Sept. 15. He was 78.

To honor O'Connor, who served as the city's mayor for a six-month period from 2016 to 2017, City Council will present memorial remarks at Tuesday's meeting. While the meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Aurora City Hall, the tribute is expected to occur closer to 7 p.m., officials said.

"Aurora has lost one of its most dedicated public servants," Mayor Richard Irvin, said in a statement. "With a heavy heart, we mourn the passing of my predecessor and revered colleague on the Aurora City Council, the 58th Mayor of Aurora, Robert J. O’Connor. I admire the life he lived, the lessons he taught, and the legacy he left. He is the statesman of Aurora who will forever be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his beloved hometown."

Born on Aug. 30, 1944, the Aurora native and East Aurora High School alum later graduated from the University of Illinois and the University of Notre Dame Law School.

O'Connor had a long career in Aurora, city officials said. In addition to working as an attorney handling real estate and estate planning, he served as an alderman-at-large, a position he was first elected to in 1985. O'Connor was elected eight more times, serving the city for a total of nine terms spanning 36 years.

He was also a member of the Finance Committee for the entirety of his council career, serving as chairman for 32 years.

O'Connor's work extended beyond attorney and councilman. He was an active board member with the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging and the Illinois Council on Aging. He volunteered at the Dominican Literacy Center for their citizenship classes and served on the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley's Board of Directors.

The Aurora resident was also a member of the Administrative Board for Phillips Park and Splash Country Aquatic Centers, the Aurora Public Library Board of Directors and the Aurora Police Foundation Board of Directors.

O'Connor is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Mary (Eberly) O’Connor; sons, Thomas (Teresa) O’Connor of North Aurora and John (Jill) O’Connor of Conroe, Texas; his grandchildren, Avery, Beckett, Mady and Kate; and a host of family members and friends.

A public visitation will be held from 1-7 p.m. at Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Place. Funeral and interment services will be private.