Pensacola, Florida, and Forest Park, Illinois, communities are mourning the death of former multi-sports coach Fred O’Connor.
Fred O’Connor passed away earlier this week, leaving his family and loved ones devastated. He was in his early 80s.
A native of Forest Park, Illinois, Fred O’Connor was a cherished of both Illinois and Florida sports communities and touched the lives of numerous students and athletes with his remarkable coaching skills and his career as a teacher.
He graduated from St. Francis High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and basketball, and led his team in several victories.
Fred further continued his career as a coach and teacher for decades. He was a multi-sport coach at Forrest Park Middle School, coaching both the basketball and softball teams and leading them in several victories.
Likewise, Fred O’Connor also served as basketball coach at St. Michael Central High School from 1968-1972.
Beyond his coaching journey, Fred served as a health teacher at St. Michael Central High School. He also served as a basketball coach in Pensacola, Florida, and touched the lives of several young athletes.
Although Fred O’Connor retired from his coaching career before his demise, his love for sports was immense.
Fred continued to play basketball with his beloved wife in Pensacola, Florida, playing at the Pensacola Senior Games and winning several titles.
Furthermore, the passing of Fred O’Connor has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late coach and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
One of his former students took to her social media to pay tribute to Fred O’Connor and wrote:
“Tonight my heart is heavy😢.One of my very first basketball coaches, Mr. Fred O’Connor, passed away today.I’m 40+ years old now, and that alone speaks volumes. His impact didn’t stop at basketball, but it stayed with me for decades. He taught us discipline, confidence, teamwork, and how to believe in ourselves before we even knew who we were becoming.Mr. O I want to thank you for the time, patience, and love you poured into us as kids. Thank you for seeing potential and pushing us to be better whether it was on and off the court. Your lessons followed me far beyond the gym.Crazy thing is I literally thought of you last week, wondering how you were, bcuz i had passed by your old house. I’m so grateful I got a chance to celebrate your 75th bday, the last time you visited Illinois. You will truly be missed.Rest peacefully, Coach (Mr. O🥹).Your legacy lives on in every life you touched, including mine.🕊️🏀”
Zenitra Dunning
Fred O’Connor is Survived By His Longtime Wife, Tracey, Children and The Entire Family
In addition to being an amazing coach, Fred O’Connor was a great husband to his longtime wife, Tracey Schnell Overby O’Connor.
The couple was happily married for decades, raising their children to be successful in their respective fields.
While Tracey hasn’t shared any statement regarding the demise of her beloved husband, she often shares pictures of Fred on social media, expressing her love and pride.
Fred O’Connor also never missed a chance to express his love and pride for his longtime wife, Tracey. The couple lived an adventurous life, travelling to different places and attending several games.
Fred O’Connor also leaves behind his son, Fred O’Connor, his daughter, Kelly O’Connor Reyes, stepchildren, grandchildren, and the entire family.
Kelley O’Connor Reyes took to her social media to pay tribute to her late father and wrote:
“The strongest man I have ever known, the hardest working man I have ever known and the best father in the world who taught me so much in this world passed away late last night. I am in shock and still haven’t processed everything. I know you are with your parents now and are smiling down and watching over us….I love you and will miss you like crazy….thank you for being my dad”
Similarly, Fred’s son, Fred O’Connor, also shared a heartfelt tribute to him on social media and wrote:
“Lost a great man today most people called him coach but I had the honor of calling him dad I used to think you where mean and unfair growing up until I realized you were teaching me to be the man I am today you where always there for me I will do my best to follow in your foot steps rest in peace dad love you forever.”
Fred O’Connor’s contribution to the sports community and his kind nature will always be remembered. His family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
