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Eminent philanthropist O'Connor dies aged 73

Philanthropist Paul O'Connor died shortly before the 50th anniversary of one of his favourite charities, the Adult Education School.

Mr. O'Connor, formerly of Warwick, died of a heart attack on June 18 at his home in Connecticut. He was 73-years-old.

He arrived on the Island in 1968 to work with Gypsum Transportation Ltd., a shipping company with international headquarters in Bermuda, and spent the rest of his career with the company. He rose to the positions of chairman and managing director of the company. He retired 10 years ago.

Merle Brock Williams, founder of the Adult Education School, said he was instrumental in helping the school, not just financially.

"He contributed in so many other ways," he said. "He helped to bring the community into the school. He helped both the staff and students to understand the economic changes that were occurring in Bermuda in the early '80s, and helped them to plan for their future."

He was a founding member of the American Friends of Bermuda which was a philanthropic arm of the American Society, chairman of the education section of the Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the board of governors of Coral Beach Club when he retired.

Prior to his retirement, he was also on the Board of Lloyds of London.

Mr. O'Connor also contributed to a variety of other charities on the Island.

Mr. O'Connor is survived by his wife, Jenny, with whom he just celebrated a 50th wedding anniversary, and two daughters, Jennifer and Kelly, both of whom live in Connecticut and five grandchildren.