F. Donald Oconnor ’46

Don "Oke" O'Connor died at his Princeton home Apr. 24, 1998, after great pain and being bed-ridden for almost three years. He prepared at The Peddie School and roomed with Bill Litchfield, A.B. Whitcomb, Bill Baird, and Dixie Walker. Following Army service, Oke returned to Princeton in 1946. He played baseball, managed the football team, and joined Ivy Club. Oke was class secretary from 1946-51. After graduating in 1947, he pursued journalism and then, "yearning for adventure and rewards," went west in the oil drilling business. Subsequently, he lobbied for the oil industry. A marriage produced two fine children but ended in divorce. Over 20 years ago he married June Hamilton, who remained at his side through his long illness. They had moved to Princeton after 15 years in NYC.

Oke will be remembered as our energetic reunion chairman for 10 years, after which he became class president in 1981. He loved the university, Ivy Club, and most of all, the Class of '46. He was disappointed he was unable to participate in most activities and events after moving to Princeton. The class sends its sympathy to June and her four children, to his two children, and to his five grandchildren. We give Oke his favorite blessing: "May the road rise to meet you and may the wind be always at your back."

The Class of 1946