Bernard P. O’Connor

Bernard P. O’Connor Jr., 88, passed away peacefully, on September 12, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family. Bernie was a Philadelphia firefighter for 27 years, spending most of his career in North Philadelphia’s Battalion 6 and Battalion 8, with a special bond for Engine 2. He retired in 1983 as Battalion Chief. He always said it was the best job in the world. 

After retiring from the Fire Department, Bernie spent many years with the Faulkner Organization, where he was integral in organizing and leading the dealer trades driver team.

Bernie was born and raised in West Philadelphia before his family moved to the Mayfair section of the city when he was a teenager. He graduated from St. Matthew and North Catholic (where he notoriously spent many an hour in “JUG”). He met the love of his life, Ceil, in 1986, and they married on December 6, 1992. 

Bernie was a loving husband to Ceil, a dedicated father to Bernie (Mary Ellen), Carol, Kelly (BJ), Mickey (Marla), and Terrence, and an adoring “Grandpop” to his 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. No matter how big his family grew, Bernie maintained a unique bond with each and every one. His grandkids will always remember his enthusiastic “Yo, kid!” whenever he called to say hi.

Bernie was a passionate lifelong baseball fan who loved his hometown team, the Phillies. His favorite players were Del Ennis and Chase Utley (although he never shared that with his friend Johnny Callison!). After visiting Clearwater, Florida, for Phillies spring training games, Bernie dreamed of moving there. He and Ceil fulfilled their dream and moved to Clearwater full time in
December 2019.

In addition to following the Phillies, Bernie loved debating trivia, visiting rooftop bars with water views, reading about World War II, reading the Daily News and Inquirer cover to cover, and doting on his cats, Jake (at the Lake!) and Dodger, and the late Wrigley, Fenway, and Shibe, who brought him years of joy.

Bernie loved to spend time with friends and was fondly known by his many nicknames: Bern, Teen Angel, and Barnyard (to name a few). He enjoyed gin martinis and a good cabernet, and could always be counted on to share a story, a laugh, or simply his company with those he cared about.

Bernie was predeceased by his parents, Bernard Patrick Sr. and Mary O’Connor, and his brother, John (Jack).

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Thursday, September 19th from 4:30pm – 7:00pm at St. Timothy RC Church, 3001 Levick Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149. There will be a funeral mass starting at 7:00pm

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Bernie’s memory to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, FL, 33760-3408, or the IAFF Local 22 Charitable Trust, 415 N. 5th Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123.

Here is the full list of family:

• Bernie & Mary Ellen O’Connor
  • Matthew O’Connor (Elisa)
    • Anthony
    • Gabriel
    • Benjamin
    • Zachary
  • Kevin O’Connor
• Carol Yocum
  • Katie Agovino
    • Fiona
    • Vivienne
    • Louis
  • Carol Yocum (Joseph)
    • Joseph
  • Kelsey Gontz (Tim)
    • Colbie
    • Sophia
    • Vera
    • June
    • Mary
• Kelly & BJ McShea
  • Christopher McShea (Elissa)
    • Cronin
    • Hudson
    • Beckett
  • Erin McShea
  • Kelly McShea (Bill)
    • Ailish
    • Violet
    • William
  • Colleen McShea (Liam)
    • Liam Jr.
• Mickey & Marla O’Connor
  • Raeghan Engle (Nic)
  • Kane O’Connor (Libby)
  • Reese O’Connor
• Terrence O’Connor