Austin Francis O'Connor

September 01, 1936 - May 22, 2025

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Obituary for Austin Francis O'Connor

Austin Francis Oโ€™Connor, 88 years old, of Milton, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Austin was married to the love of his life, Peggy, for 61 years until she passed away in November 2024. Devoted father to Austin M. Oโ€™Connor (Mary) of Hingham, Kevin Oโ€™Connor (Tammy) of Lakeville, Caroline Walsh (John) of Milton and Sheila Taylor (Mark) of Milton. Doting papa to Carlie Pardini (Danny), Austin S. (Heather), Sarah, Brendan, Bridget Oโ€™Connor; Olivia, Jack, Connor (Haley), Eamon, Emily Walsh; Maeve, Maura, Molly Oโ€™Connor; AJ, Brooke and Nina Taylor. Cherished great grandfather to Elle, Liam and Jaxson Pardini. Adored by many nieces and nephews. Austin is survived by his siblings Jimmy Oโ€™Connor of Medford, Teresa Pelham of Melrose, and Bridie Hussey of England. Austin is predeceased by his beloved wife, Peggy (nee Dwyer), his parents, Michael and Bridget (nee Higgins) Oโ€™Connor, his siblings John, Micko, Cissie Kearns, Paddy, Maureen Malone, Bertie, Eamon and his granddaughter Siobhan Taylor.

Austin was born in Kinvara, Co. Galway, Ireland in 1936 and arrived in Boston in 1958. When Austin arrived, he was welcomed by his cousin, Marguerite Flynn and his brother Jimmy who led the way to the States from Ireland. They lived in Medford & a couple of years later their sister Teresa joined them. Austin was 22 years old when he immigrated. He, like so many before him, came seeking the American dream. He became a Union Carpenter and ran a landscaping business at the same time. Austin and Jimmy played hurling with the Galway team in Boston. They met lifelong friends and shared great memories of those days. Austin met Peggy through the Irish social scene of attending Irish dances and Gaelic games. They married in 1963 and started a family.

Austin started his own construction business in the 1960โ€™s. In 1971, he bought his first pub which eventually became the Kinvara Pub. During the 70โ€™s and the 80โ€™s he bought and renovated many multi-unit apartment buildings. In 1989 he opened the Green Briar. Over the next 25 plus years he grew his restaurant company, The Briar Group, to over 10 locations including concepts like MJ Oโ€™Connors and the Harp. Peggy was an integral part of helping Austin grow his businesses โ€“ The Briar Group and Kinvara Property Management. She stayed home and raised their four children and did bookkeeping for the businesses while Austin worked day and night.

During those years of sacrifice and hard work, Austin & Peggy enjoyed spending time with the relatives & friends who also immigrated. They traveled home to Ireland to visit family and enjoyed trips and cruises once the kids were grown. They had a summer home in Lakeville, MA where they loved welcoming family and friends. Many happy memories were made there. In later years, they especially loved spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in Pompano Beach, FL and Newport, RI. We are grateful for the love and care Austin & Peggy received by their caregivers, which allowed them to remain at home.

Austin will be remembered as a quiet and unassuming man with an amazing work ethic. He helped many along the way. He was fiercely loyal to family. Austin was proud to be from Galway and raise his family in Milton. St. Agatha Parish was an important part of family life. He will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, Friday May 30 at 10:30 am. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Thursday 4-7 pm. Burial at Milton Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his name to the Irish Pastoral Centre, 540 Gallivan Blvd. Unit Rear, Dorchester, MA 02124 (ipcboston.org) or a charity of your choice.

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Services

29 May

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions ยป
30 May

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions ยป
30 May

Interment

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Milton Cemetery 211 Centre Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions ยป
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    suzy Offenberger planted 10 trees in memory of Austin Francis O'Connor . - May 31, 2025

  • 5 TREES

    Mrs S Oโ€™Connor planted 5 trees in memory of Austin Francis O'Connor . - May 24, 2025

Condolences

  • June 07, 2025

    Last weekend my family happened to be staying in Kinvara when we wandered in to Conole's after chancing to hear some music and singing through the door. We were invited in to join in a private party (a birthday) and we had the pleasure of meeting Micheal O'Connor and his brother Raymond. They were both very sad at the passing of their uncle Austin and distraught that they could not be in America to attend the services in person. I just wanted to share that with you - your cousins in Kinvara had Austin in their minds and in their hearts last weekend, and were kind enough to share their stories and songs with my family. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort at this time. - the Ruggieri family of Arizona.

  • May 30, 2025

    To all of the O'Connor family we send our thoughts and prayers at this time . Vera(Power)Lyons and family Boston Galway GAA clubs

  • May 30, 2025

    My most sincere condolences to all of the O Connor family on the passing of Austin. I have lovely memories of Austin and my aunt Peggy visiting Eyeries where Peggy grew up. Always a gentleman. Rest in peace Austin ๐Ÿ™

  • May 29, 2025

    Rest Peacefully Austin, one of the hardest working guys I ever met...Tom McCusker

  • May 28, 2025

    Sincere Condolences Austin Jr., Caroline, Sheila, Kevin and the entire O'Connor family. Thirty- two years of great memories! Austin Sr. was a great person I admired in many ways! Both he and Peg are in our thoughts and prayers! God Bless. Steven, Deirdre, Mary, Kathryn, and Kevin Ginns

  • May 28, 2025

    RIP A great guy Take care of yours selves Kieron Kelly Dublin

  • May 28, 2025

    Our sincere sympathy to Austin jnr. Caroline. Kevin. Sheila and all the extended family on the sad passing of Austin. Condolences also to Jimmy. Bridie and Teresa. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace with his soul mate Peggy. Thinking of you all at this time.. Rita Mike Avril Micheal and Ronan Varley

  • May 27, 2025

    Heartfelt condolences to Austin jr, Kevin, Caroline & Sheila and all of the extended O'Connor family on Austin's passing. Sympathies also to Jimmy, Teresa & Bridie. We have you all in our thoughts and prayers. I have fond memories of Austin coming home to Kinvara and of all our trips to the states. Austin was very proud of his family and his Irish heritage. He will be remembered as modest, hardworking, humble and good humoured by all of us. Nรญ bheidh a leithรฉid ann arรญs. Anne (O'Connor) & Tom Flanagan & family

  • May 27, 2025

    We are so saddened to hear of Austin's passing .... always a gentleman. May he rest in eternal peace with his beloved Peggy. So sorry we will miss his final farewell. Slรกinte Austin. Michael & Majella Fahy

  • May 25, 2025

    Sincere condolences to the O'Connor family on the passing of Austin. He was a wonderful man with a big heart and a gentle soul. He was a real genuine gentleman that was respected and liked by all who had the good fortune of knowing him. Sincerely Tom and Mary O'Brien, Canton.

  • May 25, 2025

    I have very fond memories of your parents and I enjoyed working with Austin and his brother in law Bob. All quality people that I was fortunate to know. May he rest in peace Joe Christiano

  • May 25, 2025

    My condolences. Austin was the rare combination of a good man and a successful landlord. His children are a testament to his character. Jefferson Boone.

  • May 25, 2025

    My condolences to the extended O Connor family on the death of Austin, a proud Kinvara man. Our families friendship go back a long time and I always enjoyed your company. As Galway Hurling Chairman I had the pleasure of meeting you in Boston and you were always so courteous. Joe Byrne Kinvara

  • May 24, 2025

    My deepest sympathy to all the O'Connor family on the passing of Austin. May he rest in peace ๐Ÿ™ David Dwyer Eyeries, Beara, co.cork, Ireland.

  • May 24, 2025

    My condolences to the entire O'Connor family. Such a beautiful family who will be remembered by everyone. RIP Austin and Peggy Bill McGregor

  • May 23, 2025

    Sincere Sympathy to Austin, Kevin, Caroline & Sheila, on the sad loss of you're Dad Austin (R.I.P). Also to his brother Jimmy & sisters Bridie & Theresa, grandchildren and extended families. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Pauline, James, Elaine & Evan Kennedy, Cregclare, Ardrahan, Co. Galway.

  • May 23, 2025

    Sincere condolences to his Family Austin Jnr, Caroline, Sheila, Kevin & all his Grandchildren and their extended families. Also to his brother Jimmy, sisters Teresa & Bridie on loss of their brother. May he rest in peace. Mary Richard & Susannah McDonagh (M Kerins niece) Galway Ireland

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