Obituary of Michael Leo O'Connor

Michael Leo O'Connor, 76, of Centre Hall, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at his home.

Born May 6, 1947, in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Leo and Margaret Bowen O'Connor.

He is survived by his cousin, Robert J. Biber and his wife, Virginia, of Westminster Woods in Huntingdon, PA. His sister, Ann Lohmann, preceded him in death.

Michael was a graduate of LaSalle Academy in RI. In 1969, he received a bachelor's in Animal Science from the Univ. of Rhode Island. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army serving as a 1st LT during the Vietnam War. During his military service, he spent time in both Germany and Vietnam. After serving his country, he continued his academic pursuits, earning a master's in Dairy Science and PhD in Animal Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

In 1979, Michael began his professional career as an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at Penn State University. With his academic expertise in the area of reproductive management of dairy cattle, he continued his research and teaching at Penn State for over 33 years. He retired in 2012 as Professor Emeritus of Dairy Science.

He served as Secretary on the PA Dairyman Association, was an active member of the State College Kiwanis Club serving as the Chairman for the Holiday Basketball Tourney and Scholarship Committee.

Michael enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and maintaining his beautiful acreage. He loved to ski and hike, especially with his two dogs, Lucky and later, Nick, with whom he shared his life and love. His family of neighbors gratefully enriched his life with good times and steadfast care, and he reveled in fishing and adventures with his good buddies out West. Traveling both at home and abroad was another passion that created wonderful memories.

Michael accumulated a wide circle of friends and colleagues over the course of his life, leaving a legacy of love and generosity.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 6pm on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 am on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 867 Grays Woods Blvd, Port Matilda, PA, with Father Jozef Kovacik officiating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed.  Please go to https://www.goodshepherd-sc.org/  and scroll down to the Mass Livestream block.  It will also be available there afterward for later viewing.

Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket, RI at the convenience of the family.

Michael was an ardent supporter of several charitable organizations, including The Alzheimer's Research Foundation of Rockville, MD; The Autism Society of America of Bethesda, MD; and Good Shephard Catholic Church, of State College. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice in memory of Michael L. O'Connor.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.