Obituary of Mark O'Connor

Mark O’Connor, husband (life partner), proud father, loyal brother, loving uncle, proud and dedicated member of the NYSP, died at home unexpectedly.

Mark grew up in Colonie and attended Colonie schools and was a member of the State Police Explorers Post in high school. Knowing that he wanted to be in law enforcement since age 10, he went on to earn a degree in Criminal Justice at Northeastern University. He entered the NYSP Academy training in Brockport, NY and became a trooper on 9/22/86. He then rose through the ranks as a Trooper, Station Commander, Zone Sgt.- SP Fonda, in addition to being awarded NCO Of The Year in 2009 and 2013.

Marked shared 31 years with his wife Francesca and another 27 years with their beautiful daughter Victoria. Family was his pride, his joy and his number one priority. Mark enjoyed life looking at it as not ‘half full’, but ‘overflowing’.

His proudest day was when their daughter Victoria was born. When asked if he wanted a boy be replied “I can teach her everything that I would teach a boy. Who could ask for anything more than this beautiful little girl”.

All who knew Mark, knew that he led his life with laughter, love, practical jokes, a quick wit, and his willingness to help others, (character traits he learned from his father).

In his 31 years with the NYSP, he conducted himself as a role model to others, a mentor, and unofficial financial advisor.  He took the oath to protect and serve people in need very seriously. He performed his job with integrity and set high standards for himself as a ( Trooper, Zone Sgt. and NY State Fair Midway Supervisor), in addition for those who worked in law enforcement.

Mark was assigned to numerous NYSP ‘special details’ where he would utilize his leadership, critical thinking and meticulous attention to detail skills.

Mark’s loss will be difficult for so many. His 31 year love affair with his wife Francesca will be deeply felt. His role as ‘Dad’ to Victoria and new husband Dave will be everlasting, and to his buddy, Toby.

Mark leaves this world and the family who will continue to carry his memories;

His wife and life partner; Francesca Parisi O’Connor, his most treasured gift; daughter and son; Victoria O’Connor and Dave Giokas, sisters and brothers; Denise and Thomas Saporito, Nadine O’Connor Di Vito and Robert Di Vito, Nicola Parisi and Elizabeth Farrell, Bernadette Parisi, Marcus Parisi, Peter and Rose Parisi, Tina Marie Parisi and Emily and Bruce Berberich.  Special nieces and nephews. Aunts, Uncles and cousins. George and Marie Giokas and their family.

His proud parents who are now deceased; William and Florence O’Connor and Nicholas and Theresa Parisi.

Brothers and sisters of the NYSP and all law enforcement members, and the friends who shared in his happiness, laughter, history and joy of life.

Thank you to the NYSP for their assistance, Glenville PD, Thomas Corners FD.

Mark’s Final Patrol: 11/27/18 Signal 30.

Calling hours for Mark will be held on Saturday December 8,2018 from 11am to 2pm at the Glenville Funeral Home 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville, NY. Funeral services will follow at 2pm at the funeral home.

Burial will take place privately at the convenience of the family. The family asks that you remember Mark by sharing stories with us so his presence lives on.  The family request instead of flowers please consider donating in Mark’s name to the (NYSP) Signal30.org. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com