Rev. Michael J. O'Connor, O.S.A.
February 28, 1942 - August 15, 2026
Michael John O’Connor was born on February 28, 1942, in Chicago to Donald and Bernadette (Gentleman) O’Connor. He was baptized on March 15, 1942, at the Church of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus in Chicago. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on October 21, 1953, at the same church.
Michael received his elementary education at Little Flower Grammar School in Chicago. After his graduation in 1956, he enrolled in Mount Carmel Seminary High School in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. In 1957, he transferred to Leo High School in Chicago, where he received his diploma in 1960.He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on September 3, 1960. He professed Simple Vows on September 4, 1961, and Solemn Vows on September 4, 1964. Michael chose the religious name Neal.
Brother Neal studied at Tolentine College in Olympia Fields, Illinois, from 1960 to 1962. He then worked in food service at St. Rita High School from 1963-1967. During this time, he did further study at DePaul University, Loyola University, and Wright Junior College. He returned to Tolentine College in 1967, where he earned a B.A. in 1968.
He discerned that he was being called to the priesthood and was ordained a priest on August 28, 1971, completing his Master of Divinity degree at Catholic Theological Union in 1972. He chose to return to using his birth name.
Michael served in many ministerial roles, including: teacher and counselor at Mendel Catholic High School in Chicago; Director of Augustinian Associates at Tolentine Monastery in Olympia Fields, IL; Rector of Augustinian Students at St. Frances de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, WI; Associate Pastor and Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Kenosha, WI; Director of Pastoral Ministry at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, IL; Director of Kairos and Interim President of St. Francis High School in Wheaton, IL; and President of St. Rita High School in Chicago.
He served the Province as Personnel Director, Vocation Director, Province Secretary, and Vicar Provincial. Most recently, he dedicated himself to healthcare ministry in the Province for over 20 years.
In December 2025, due to declining health and several falls, Michael entered rehab at St. Anthony-Majestic Care in Crown Point, IN. He later moved to assisted living at St. Anthony-Majestic Care in March 2026. After suffering a fall in July, he was transferred to rehab at Smith Village in Chicago, where the Augustinian healthcare community was in process of being transferred. On August 14, Michael was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital after he was found unresponsive with shallow breathing. He passed away on the evening of August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary.
Michael is remembered for his selflessness, compassion, and strong work ethic.
Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord.
-And let light your perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
-Amen.
