Staff

Joseph A. O'Connor Jr Born in Los Angeles, he is a third generation Funeral Director whose grandfather, Patrick J. O'Connor, was a co-founder of the Cunningham & O'Connor Mortuaries in Los Angeles in 1898. After graduation from Loyola High School and St. Mary's College, he joined the U.S. Navy for 3 1/2 years and saw duty aboard ships and shore on the West Coast and Hawaii. Upon discharge in 1960, he joined his family mortuary firm and became a managing partner in 1962. Joe, along with his wife Jane and seven children moved in 1975 to Laguna Niguel and construction began on the new O'Connor Laguna Hills Mortuary, under exclusive ownership and management of Joe and Jane O'Connor. He has been a long-time member of Rotary and St. Edward Catholic Church as well as various community charity organizations. Presently, the O'Connors are enjoying their 15 grandchildren and watching their avocados grow in Valley Center, CA.	Joseph A. O'Connor Jr Chairman of the Board
Jane O'Connor A native of Oakland, CA, Jane (a triplet) also comes from a family of seven children whose parents and grandparents were in the funeral business in Oakland for three generations. She is a graduate of Holy Name in Oakland, was married to Joe in 1958 and moved to Hawaii after her marriage. As a busy mother of seven, she nevertheless was very active in the daily business of the mortuary, for many years as bookkeeper and presently as Corporate Secretary.	Jane O'Connor Secretary
Neil P. O'Connor Neil is a native Californian, born in Los Angeles and raised in Laguna Niguel. He attended Dana Hills High School and graduated in 1986. Neil served in the United States Navy, stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Coronado, California. He has been actively involved in the family business since 1989 and in 2001 became the President and CEO of O'Connor Laguna Hills Mortuary. Is a member of the Saddleback Memorial Foundation, and a Board Member of the Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. A Board member of the South Orange County Interfaith council as well as a member of the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council and the T.I.P. Advisory Council. Is an active member of the Saddleback Kiwanis International. Is an avid volleyball player and Yoga practictioner. Neil resides in Laguna Niguel.	Neil P. O'Connor Owner Operator President/CEO
Charles A. Ricciardi Chuck is a native Californian born and raised in San Diego, attending High School and College there as well. Chuck joined the firm in 1992 after an 8 year career in the restaurant industry in management as well as sales. Currently responsible for the advanced planning department, cremation department, strategic planning and growth as well as serving our families in need. He is an active member of the Lions Club in Laguna Niguel and enjoys giving back to the community. "It is a privilege to serve the families of Orange County in their time of need. A responsibility and trust that I do not take lightly." Chuck is a member of the O'Connor family through marriage, marrying Loretta in 1991. They reside in Laguna Niguel with their three children Faith, Christian and Cameron and enjoy outdoor activities as a family. Chuck has been an avid surfer for 28 years and enjoys most sports.	Charles A. Ricciardi Owner Operator Chief Operations Officer
Joseph G. Fitzgerald Joe joined the firm in 1992 after spending seven years in the commercial real estate business. He started in the business as a funeral director, assisting families with arranging and directing their funeral arrangements. He is currently responsible for overseeing the financial side of the business which includes budgeting and strategic planning. As a member of the O'Connor family through marriage, Joe is proud and honored to carry out the family's tradition of personal family service within the community.	Joseph G. Fitzgerald Owner Operator Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey E. Turner A native Californian, Jeff grew up in Westminster, and was actively involved in the marching, symphonic and jazz bands playing the trombone. After moving aboard his parents boat in 1974, his lifelong love of the sea encouraging him to build the first of two sailboats during his sophomore year in high school, launching the second of one in 2001. Jeff is a cancer survivor, diagnosed in March of 1988. Jeff and his wife, Karen reside in Huntington Beach with their two children, Molly and Andy. Jeff has been in funeral service since 1985, graduating from Cypress College of Mortuary Science in 1987 Jeff joined the firm in 1989 and is Chief Administration Officer. When I started here I was hoping to find a place that I could work the rest of my career. I had no idea that this was a opportunity of a lifetime.	Jeffrey E. Turner Owner Operator Chief Administration Officer
Patricia Kolstad A native Californian, Pat was born and raised in Long Beach and now resides in Lakewood. Pat has 4 grown children and 7 grandchildren. An avid gardner with a love of wildflowers, Patricia also enjoys fixing up her home, traveling the states, and hiking. Starting in Funeral Service in 1983, has been with O'Connor Mortuary since 1993. Is on the Advisory Committe of the Trauma Intervention Program and is a member of the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council. At present, is the Director of Community Relations/Resources specializing in providing Grief Resource Programs and Workshops for Caregiving Professionals and volunteers in South Orange County, as well as Grief Seminars in Churches and Senior Centers, and offering a "Candlelight Service of Remembrance" each December. "It is an honor and a privilege to work with the Caregiving Professionals and Volunteers throughout our county. The result of those relationships create a strong foundation of integrity and trust."	Patricia Kolstad Community Development
Anne Collins Employed since 1995, Anne started in the front office, greeting families and handling their vital paperwork. She now works in our accounting department where she assists our CFO with various accounting functions. Anne's background was in other industries, which included administrating a small city in Oregon, managing a real estate investment/development office , managing a surgical group office, working as a staff auditor for City of Long Beach, running a photography studio with her husband, and having her own bookkeeping business. In relation to those endeavors, she held a real estate sales license and a Tax Preparers's License. She has attended two years of college. Anne's personal interests include antiques, EBAY, garage sales, walking, fishing and spending time with her family, including 4 grandchildren.	Anne Collins Accounting

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