SOA Executive John O'Connor Dies

John Edward O'Connor, Jr., executive director of the Society of Actuaries and The Actuarial Foundation, died Tuesday, June 15, 1999, at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, from complications after surgery in April. He was 56. A funeral Mass was celebrated on June 19 in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

A Chicago native, O'Connor received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Loyola University, Chicago, and was a certified public accountant. Prior to becoming executive director of the SOA in August 1979, he was secretary-treasurer of the American College of Hospital Administrators in Chicago.

During his tenure, SOA membership nearly tripled and the organization gained respect worldwide for its many comprehensive education and research programs. Under his leadership, the Society had significant increases in committees, operating budget, and staff. O'Connor also oversaw the establishment of the first overseas SOA office in Hong Kong, The Actuarial Foundation (formerly the Society of Actuaries Foundation), and 15 SOA special interest sections.

O'Connor was also active in a number of charitable causes including Marillac Settlement House, a Catholic center for women and children on the West side of Chicago. A member of Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, O'Connor was also active in fundraising for the Catholic school system in Chicago.

A career association executive, he served the Association Forum (formerly Chicago Society of Association Executives) in several capacities including as an elected member of its Board of Directors. In 1988, the CSAE honored him as "outstanding CEO" with the Samuel B. Shapiro Award, which recognizes outstanding service and accomplishment in association management.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Marillac Settlement House, 212 S. Francisco, Chicago, IL 60612 or Loyola University Medical Center Liver Transplant Unit, 2160 S. First Ave., Maywood, IL 60153.

O'Connor is survived by his wife of 33 years, Judi; their four sons John, Barry, Ryan, and Daniel, their spouses and three grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers.