Biography of David O’Connor

One of the established business men and property owners of Providence, Rhode Island, who contributed much to the general progress of the city was the late David O’Connor.

David O’Connor was born in Providence, son of David and Bridget O’Connor, and he was educated in the local schools. As a young man he was launched in business as a grocery clerk and found the business one which appealed to him and offered him a chance of success. He later established a store of his own, carrying a full line of fancy and staple groceries and, in the days of local option, various brands of liquor. He had an excellent stock and prospered because he understood the demands of his trade and catered to those demands honestly and efficiently. When the national Prohibition Amendment was passed, Mr. O’Connor sold his business and retired from active pursuits. He owned considerable property, however, and was very busy taking care of his personal real estate holdings.

In politics Mr. O’Connor was staunchly Democratic, ambitious for the expansion of his party and for the welfare of his city, but he was too retiring in disposition to try for political preferment or prestige. He especially enjoyed his home and his horses, for he kept for a period some fine racing animals. His was a brisk, sportsmanlike nature which found its chief satisfaction in the out-of-doors. He belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and to the Knights of Columbus, and was a communicant of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church.

David O’Connor married Rosanna, daughter of Luke Cullen, a produce dealer of Providence, and they were the parents of four children: Mary Agnes, Gertrude G., Rose B., and Theresa A. O’Connor.

Death came to Mr. O’Connor November 9, 1923, and brought to a close a life filled with quiet but solid accomplishment and harmonious happiness. He loved his home, his family, and his friends, and brought great happiness to those with whom he associated. His memory will long be green in their hearts, and his spirit inspire them to better and happier lives.

Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.

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