Michael Joseph O’Connor

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Michael Joseph O’Connor

October 13, 1945 ~ October 9, 2023

Michael Joseph O’Connor, 77, of West Valley City, died peacefully in his sleep on October 9, 2023 following a long illness. Mike was born in Salt Lake City, on October 13, 1945 at almost 10 pounds. He was often called a “Gentle Giant” due to his height of 6’5” and broad shoulders.

Mike recorded many of his “Mighty Misadventures,” including funny stories from his youth, his time in the military, working for the Salt Lake City Fire Department, and raising his family. Mike proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 to 1968, including a tour in Vietnam. When he returned, he joined the Salt Lake City Fire Department, where he worked as an EMT/firefighter technician from 1969 to 1989.

He helped set up the old Salt Lake City Emergency Dispatch Center on 300 South. He also was the first person to test the address location (now called GPS) for emergency phone calls, and traveled all over the city validating the system. Additionally, he invented a communication device for inside the helmets for firefighters to better communicate during a fire. He didn’t pursue a patent as it was very important to him that the technology be readily available to firefighters. He went on to work in security at various locations, including as the security training officer at Kennecott Copper Mine and as security site supervisor at Utah National Guard at Army Aviation Support Facility (Airport #2), West Jordan. Throughout his life, Mike was very active in the Catholic Church, Boy Scouts, Hibernian Society, Retired Firefighters Association and Knights of Columbus. He was honored to be elected as Grand Knight with Knights of Columbus.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret McMenamin O’Connor; father Cornelius Jeremiah Daniel O’Connor; siblings Thomas O’Connor, Peter O’Connor, Peggy Haase, Cornelius “Neil” O’Connor. Survived by his wife Marguerite Kerr O’Connor; children Christine O’Connor, Sean O’Connor (Karie), Theresa O’Connor, Kaylene O’Connor Christensen (Jerren), Kate McMahon (Neil); eight adoring grandchildren; and many other family members and close friends.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on October 17, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Magna; followed by committal with military rites at Utah Veterans Memorial Park.

To donate to Michael’s funeral fund, please do so via Venmo @Irish-Mike-fund.