Obituary of Bernard O'Connor

O'CONNOR Bernard Joseph "BJ", 85 died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Born 12-31-1925 in Perkasie, PA to the late Maria and Joseph O'Connor, he lived in Eastchester, NY, Upper Saddle River and Brant Beach, NJ before moving to Mahwah two years ago. Beloved husband of Patricia to whom he was married for 51 wonderful years. Devoted and loving father of Margaret and husband Peter Citrullo, Patricia and husband Kenneth McHugh, Jeanette and husband T. Michael Bracuti, and Kathleen and husband Patrick Purcell. Loving "Pop-Pop" to Melissa, Katie, Carly, Kieran and Alison, as well as "dog's best friend" to Cleo. B.J. is also survived by his brother Thomas and sister Mary Whealan, both of Eastchester, NY. Bernie served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 - 1946 and concurrently received his BS degree in Electrical Engineering from M.I.T. in 1946 and his MS from Yale University a year later. Mr. O'Connor retired after 43 years at Bendix Aviation Corporation. He retired in 1991 as First Vice President and General Manager of the Bendix Guidance Systems Division (GSD). Bernie was a pioneer in aerospace engineering with direct involvement and oversight of many space programs, including: the Apollo, Space Shuttle and Hubble Space Programs. Upon retirement Bernie was able to enjoy his favorite hobbies of swimming, reading and his deep love of sharing time with his wife, four daughters and his grandchildren. Friends may visit on Monday, 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff. Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, 10 AM at St. Paul's R.C. Church, 200 Wyckoff Ave., Ramsey. Interment will follow at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Francis Community Center, 4700 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach Township, NJ 08008