Austin Francis O'Connor

Obituary for Austin Francis O'Connor

 

Austin Francis O’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. O’Connor (Mary) of Hingham, Kevin O’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 O’Connor; Olivia, Jack, Connor (Haley), Eamon, Emily Walsh; Maeve, Maura, Molly O’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 O’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) O’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 1960’s. In 1971, he bought his first pub which eventually became the Kinvara Pub. During the 70’s and the 80’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 O’Connors and the Harp. Peggy was an integral part of helping Austin grow his businesses – 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.

 

The livestream of the Mass may be viewed on the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5158637

 

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.