Michael Thomas O’Connor

FT. MYERS, Fla. – My husband, my dearest friend, Michael Thomas O’Connor, passed away at his home in Fort Myers, Fla. on April 27, 2025, after a long, debilitating illness. He was born in Augusta, Maine, on July 16, 1956, to Thomas and Mary Jane (Burleigh) O’Connor.

Michael was a 1974 graduate of Cony High School in Augusta, Maine, and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting while working full-time for the State of Maine. He was instrumental in establishing and managing the EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) program.

Michael and I (Susan Blais O’Connor) were married August 23, 1975, in Augusta. I was so lucky to have had the privilege of being his partner for almost 50 years. I wish we could have had many more.

One of Michael’s many incredible qualities is that he never complained. He didn’t complain when I fed him boxed mashed potatoes for the first two years of our marriage. He didn’t complain when I washed his wallet and turned everything in it a soft shade of pink. He didn’t complain when I drove my car through the garage door (it was winter, the snow was white, the door was white; perhaps I hadn’t had enough coffee). But, most of all, he didn’t complain when a horrible disease (Multiple System Atrophy) robbed him of his ability to walk, to get dressed, to use his hands, and to talk. Through it all, his mind remained intact; his keen wit and his humor all remained to the end.

He enjoyed sharing his philosophies on life, which made everyone smile. His theory on vegetables was that “the more letters, the worse they tasted.” For example, he would explain, corn -good, beans -good, peas -good. However, brussel sprouts -not good, cauliflower -not good, eggplant -not good. Anything green was suspicious, although he became quite adventurous about food as he grew older, and he was an amazing cook.

Michael loved sports of all kinds. He loved football and played basketball and softball. He was a dedicated weightlifter, a runner, and a golfer. Fiercely competitive, he always gave 100% in every game he played. However, what he loved most about sports was the time spent with friends.

He was a great friend and would do anything for his friends and family. For instance, he took care of his mother and helped me care for my father as they grew older and needed assistance. He never once complained. With an incredibly kind and generous heart, he was always eager to help others. When my niece Becca came to live with us, he welcomed her to our home and loved her as a daughter. He was so thrilled that Becca arranged to share a special wedding dance with him when she married her husband, Phil Welsh.

Michael is survived by his sister, Dr. Susan O’Connor, brother John and wife Susan, brother Kevin and wife Debi Dompkowski, sister Cathy and husband Al Schroeder, sister-in-law Barbara and husband John Rodrigue. and brother-in-law Robert Blais and wife Tammy. He is also survived by several cherished nieces and nephews and their families, numerous cousins and treasured friends, including David and Kathy, Brian and Brenda, and Steve and Sue.

Michael will forever be remembered as a kind and good man with a huge heart, contagious smile, and an incredible sense of humor. There are not enough words to capture just how amazing he was; he truly was the best of the best. His kindness and generosity positively impacted everyone he interacted with. I miss his companionship, his love, and his laughter. His wonderful laughter was infectious, and his positive energy lit up every room he entered. I could always tell where he was by his laugh, even if I couldn’t see him. He was deeply loved by many, and I miss him terribly.

There will be no funeral services. A celebration of life will be planned for sometime this Fall. Burial will be private.