O'Connor spent over half of his life at UNH as a student-athlete, coach and administrator
DURHAM, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire athletic department, along with the football and men's ice hockey programs, mourns the loss of former student-athlete, coach and administrator James "David" O'Connor.Â
O'Connor, 79, was named senior associate athletic director for the department in 1996 and was responsible for compliance, academic support, admissions procedures, as well as assisting with event management until he retired in 2004. In 2008, he was honored at the UNH Hall of Fame ceremony as the second recipient of the prestigious Joan Leitzel Award for significant contributions to the lives of UNH student-athletes. He was a resident of Lee, N.H. for over 40 years and was a loyal supporter of UNH Athletics.
He was named assistant men's athletics director for the Wildcats in 1988-89, in addition to his duties, he served as compliance director for both the men's and women's programs.
O'Connor served as an assistant coach with the men's ice hockey program for 12 seasons, which included 11 years under Charlie Holt (1976-1987) and one season with Dick Umile (1991-92). He also served as interim head coach of the Wildcats during the 1987-88 season, while Bob Kullen recovered from a heart transplant.
He was born on September 11, 1942 in Cambridge, Mass., he was the son of James Patrick O'Connor and Nora (Casey) O'Connor.Â
"Our UNH Wildcat family was greatly saddened to hear of Dave O'Connor's passing," said UNH Director of Athletics Marty Scarano. "Okie was a true Wildcat; committed, hard working, humble, honest and passionate about our student-athletes. He was a very talented coach and beloved by the athletes who played for him. Wildcat Nation has lost a great one."
He also coached football under legendary head coach and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Bill Bowes for 18 seasons beginning in 1972, and was responsible for recruiting Hockey Hall of Famer Rod Langway to campus to play football and eventually men's ice hockey.
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Dave O'Connor with Hockey Hall of Famer Rod Langway in 2002
He played both football (defensive back) and men's ice hockey (defenseman) and graduated from UNH in 1966 with a bachelors degree in Political Science from the College of Liberal Arts.Â
O'Connor served his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army (1967-1969) during the Vietnam War. He also served as a player-coach for the base football team at Fort Gordon, Georgia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 11 at 9 a.m. from Church of St. Thomas More at 6 Madbury Road, Durham, N.H. Burial will follow with military honors in the Durham Cemetery.
