The Virgin Islands Port Authority’s Board of Governors, its management, and staff mourn the passing of the agency’s former Board Chairman, Mr. Robert O’Connor Jr. of St. John, who died this morning. “I extend heartfelt condolences to his wife Mrs. Clarice Comissiong-O’Connor, daughters Jerell, Frenchesca and Franchellis O’Connor, his grandson Robert O’Connor IV, extended family and loved ones. We are deeply saddened by the passing of our native son and friend who will be remembered as a stalwart of this community. His name and his memory will live on eternally in this community through his many contributions and his stellar example of commitment to hard work and excellence,” said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe. He was a devoted advocate for the advancement of the U.S. Virgin Islands and especially for the people of St. John, said Dowe.
O’Connor served as a Port Authority board member for 24 years from June 27, 1991, to February 13, 2015. Under his leadership as Chairman of the VIPA Board, O’Connor spearheaded a myriad of projects that have come into fruition today. His leadership helped to improve the travel infrastructure of the territory and enrich the travel and tourism experience for residents and visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. O’Connor was lauded for his many achievements during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held February 27, 2020, at VIPA’s new maintenance building in Bournefield on St. Thomas, which was named in his honor via Act 8202.
O’Connor served as a senator in the 17th and 18th Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was actively involved in a host of community organizations including the Virgin Islands Commission on Judicial Disabilities, the Chamber of Commerce, the Virgin Islands Girl Scouts Board, the Captain’s Association, a charter member of the St. John Lion’s Club, and Vice Commander of the St. John Coast Guard Auxiliary. An avid sportsman, he was a longtime member of the local Forty-Plus baseball team. He was an entrepreneur and owned several successful businesses on St. John.
