Obituary of Robert W. O'Connor

Geneseo – Robert W. O’Connor, 80 years of age, passed away Wednesday morning, January 14, 2026 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Bob was born September 1, 1945 in Groton, NY. He was adopted as an infant by John and Eva (Metzgar) O'Connor. They raised Bob as their own and he would often speak fondly of them. He grew up in in and around the Groton area and graduated from high school there. He then earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Syracuse University. Other than Groton, Bob has resided in Pennsylvania, Groveland and for the majority of his life in Geneseo. Early in his life, he worked at an Agway store and as a paralegal. However Bob was an intellectual and had a passion for reading and helping others. That passion led him to a career at SUNY Geneseo. He managed the book store there for over 30 years. His helping of hundreds of students and countless others as a friend of Bill was most important to Bob. Bob and Jean Russel were married May 15, 1971 in Syracuse and together they celebrated over 40 years of marriage prior to Jean passing away September 16, 2011. Bob had many hobbies! He loved horses and the fox hunts, especially at Donnan Farms. Tim Finnegan was a race horse he trained and was able to win at the Genesee Valley Races. He also trained a horse for the Steeplechase event. Bob’s wife Jean, who loved the horses as well, was the jockey for many of these events. Bob was a “gentleman farmer” that raised sheep, pigs and the aforementioned horses. He also enjoyed kayaking, going to the casino, and attending sports and RV shows, and of course there was not a diner in the area he didn’t enjoy. He had a love of the Genesee Valley and its history and was a member of the Genesee Valley Conservancy Bob was pre-deceased by his parents John and Eva O'Connor and his wife Jean. He is survived by his lifelong friend, Allie Donnan and longtime friend Jim Maier; along with a multitude and wide spectrum of friends. A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced once finalized. Contributions in memory of Robert W. O’Connor may be made to the Genesee Valley Conservancy, 1 Main St., Geneseo, NY 14454 or to the Genesee Valley Hunt, Inc. P.O. Box 52, Geneseo, NY 14454.