Patrick James O’Connor, 76, of Blauvelt, NY since 1984, formerly of Parkchester in the Bronx, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Also known to his friends and family as Oakie/O’key, Patty or the Mayor. Beloved husband of Vanessa (nee Chizzolin). Proud father of daughters Danah and Tiffany. Dear brother of Connie McTigue, Regina Musumeci and the late Theresa, James and Geraldine O’Connor. Survived by many loving relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Patrick was a stationary engineer and a dedicated and loyal member of the International Union of Operating Engineers for over 45 years. He worked at the NY Coliseum in NYC and retired from Yonkers Raceway Empire City.
He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5343 and the Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge 2176, both in Blauvelt.
An avid sports fan, especially of the New York Yankees and Duke Blue Devils.
Pat loved playing cards, taking trips to the casino and volunteering for events.
He also enjoyed spending time at the Jersey Shore with friends and family.
He took great pride in serving his community, lending a helping hand when needed and being a supporter of the St.Jude Foundation.
Visiting hours are Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 4-8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:30 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt with interment to follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
Okey, a classic 1 of a kind guy. There will never be another character like him.
His humor , kindness, and generosity will be missed by all.
A true friend that I will miss dearly.
RIP
My heartfelt sympathy to Vanessa and his daughters.He was a lifelong friend to all who knew him , truly a prized personality who was fun to be around. I always knew he was happy to see old buddies and just as happy to make new friends. May you rest in peace and know no one will ever forget you.Your old time buddy Tom Sullivan Sully to you,
Big Oak… truly a Parkchester legend. You knew when he would make an entrance. Knew absolutely everyone! Best dressed in 68’s graduating class at Helena’s. RIP Okie!
So sorry for your loss.
We loved Pat. Aside from being a great neighbor he was also a very close friend to Mike’s grandfather. We are sure they are celebrating and having some laughs together up in heaven. Sending you our deepest sympathy.
O’key I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared growing up, the many laughs we had and the memories I still feel today. You were a true friend loyal, real and unforgettable. RIP my friend.
Oh my hear is broken my deepest condolences to Vanessa and her family. I loved Oakie he was such a kind great friend I will always miss him. I am so
Thankful i got to see Oakie and Vaness at my niece Kiah and my nephew Travis’s wedding he was bigger than life always smiling always would do whatever he could to help Bobby and I. He will always be a great friend I love you and every time I go to MSG I will look up and say hi to my dear friend Gone too soon May he rest in peace in Heaven in Gods loving arms! The Knicks won in his honor and I know he and Bobby are together and probably will be cheering in Heaven. My beautiful friend Vanessa I love you and am sending you all my love to you and the kids he live forever in my heart ❤️
My love
Have
My little brother was such a protector of me growing up. He worked so hard at all he did from an early age. He gave out calendars at Park Abbey Funeral Home, sold Christmas Trees at the train tracks, worked at the Parkchester News all before he was out of high school. He was an altar boy and played baseball and basketball along with all the other games we all played in Parkchester. He was dedicated to his family and will be missed by all who knew him.