William K. O'Conner
Early Life
William Kavanaugh O’Connor was born on June 1, 1898, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of Sylvester Devenish O’Connor and Ellen McGrath. By 1916, he was living in Rye, New York, establishing his connection to the community at a young age.
He entered adulthood during a period of increasing military preparedness in the United States and was among those who enlisted prior to America’s formal entry into World War I.
World War I Service
O’Connor entered naval service on February 18, 1917, at the Navy Recruiting Station in New York City as a member of the United States Naval Reserve Force. He initially served as a Seaman Second Class and was later promoted to Gunner’s Mate Third Class.
He served aboard the USS Indiana (BB-1), a pre-dreadnought battleship used during World War I primarily for training and coastal defense operations. His service aboard this vessel occurred during the early months of American mobilization.
He was subsequently assigned to the USS Minneapolis (C-13), a protected cruiser that operated in patrol and escort roles during the war, contributing to the protection of shipping and coastal waters.
During his service, he also spent time at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia and later at the Naval Hospital in New York, reflecting periods of medical treatment or reassignment during his naval career.
His service was primarily stateside and coastal, and there is no record of overseas deployment in a combat theater. He served through the duration of the war and was discharged on January 21, 1919, with the rank of Gunner’s Mate Third Class.
Life After Service
Following his military service, O’Connor relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where he established both his family and professional career. He married Santa Anita Avalon McDermott on September 9, 1919, and together they had three children: William Kavanaugh O’Connor Jr., Anita Devenish O’Connor, and Irene Marie O’Connor.
He built a successful career in the insurance industry, eventually becoming executive vice president of Kurt Hitke & Company, a managing insurance agency in Chicago. His professional advancement reflects significant achievement in the business sector during the interwar and post–World War II periods.
William K. O’Connor died on October 2, 1960, at Presbyterian–St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago at the age of 62.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Santa Anita McDermott O’Connor; his son, William K. O’Connor Jr.; his daughters, Anita Donovan and Irene Murphy; and three grandchildren.