A Celebration of Life will be held May 30th, 2025. Scroll down for information.
Jonathan Daniel O’Connor was born on May 24, 1951, in Oil City, Pennsylvania. He was the second child of seven children. He now joins his deceased parents Germaine and Francis O’Connor.
Dan graduated in 1969 from Venango Christian High School in Oil City, Pennsylvania. He was active in sports and played for the football, golf, and basketball teams. Dan continued his education at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Environmental Science. He went on to obtain his Doctorate in Education through Phoenix University. For many years, Dan had an extensive college basketball coaching career and teaching background in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He coached and taught at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania, coached full-time at Bowling Green University in Ohio, and was the Athletic Director and basketball coach at Walsh University in Ohio. Later in Ohio, he made the decision to pursue education administration and became the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C).
In 2007, Dan moved to California to accept a contract under the Kern Community College District as Dean for the Math, Sciences, and Physical Education departments. In 2010, a mutual friend of Dan and Debbie’s at Bakersfield Community College introduced them, thinking they would “get along”. At first, Debbie wasn’t sure about Dan, but he was thoughtful, dependable, they got along well, plus he was persistent. After their first
formal date, three weeks later, they became inseparable. Four months later, he told Debbie that he was a “sure thing”. They enjoyed working together on the same college campus, walked two miles every day after work, ate meals together, and enjoyed trips together in California, Nevada, Montana, and Hawaii. They loved hiking in Sequoia National Park just five miles from Debbie’s home in the mountains.
In January 2014, Dan decided to accept an interim position as the vice-president of Prince William Sound College in Valdez, Alaska. Within six months, he was offered the permanent position of president. Debbie moved to join him in late December 2014, after he convinced her of the benefits of living in Alaska with him (plus being closer to her oldest son and family living in Palmer). Dan retired from the college in July 2022 after eight impactful years as the president and campus director of the college. What began as a six-month interim role in 2014 became a legacy of leadership, vision, and service. Under his guidance, programs were expanded, and he fostered strong partnerships with local organizations, strengthening the college’s ties to the region it serves. He was also very involved in community activities and supported local events and nonprofit organizations like the Food Bank, and Valdez Senior Center. He attended city meetings, local sports games, served on his church council, and was chair of the Providence Valdez Medical Center (PVMC) Community Advisory Committee for several years.
Dan absolutely loved basketball. Some of his previous college basketball players remained in touch with him and always referred to him as “coach”. He thoroughly enjoyed talking about basketball and telling stories from his coaching days. He enjoyed watching games both live and on television and lived for March Madness every year. He supported the local high school basketball teams and enjoyed getting to know players and their families.
A little-known secret about Dan is how much he loved Westerns. He watched daily reruns of Gunsmoke and never, ever tired of them. He also watched his favorite westerns nearly every year with Debbie: Once Upon a Time in the West, Wyatt Earp (both movies), Quigley Down Under, and the Longmire series – to name a few.
Another secret about Dan was that he loved Halloween. He loved picking out sweet treats every year and dressing up in one of his many costumes to entertain trick or treaters at the front door. His favorite costumes were the Mad Hatter, Mickey Mouse, a royal king, and a penguin. He had so much fun handing out candy and looked forward to it every year.
Although Dan wasn’t a prankster, he delighted in surprising and entertaining Debbie. He would often catch her off guard in the kitchen with dances and shenanigans that would leave her howling with laughter.
Dan loved and was loved by many in Valdez who thought of him as both a mentor and a friend. One of his favorite people said: “He was one in a million… He IS one in a million”. Dan was a vibrant and strong leader with a remarkable personality. He leaves behind a legacy of service and kindness. His impact on the town of Valdez will be remembered for years to come. At the college graduation this year, a moment of silence was held for Dan, followed by a beautiful tribute.
Dan was a strong believer in God, with a faith that was unwavering and deeply rooted. He rarely missed going to church and was very involved with St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, participating in readings at mass services. On an audio recording sent to Dan a few days before he passed, one of his college basketball players said, “the Lord is going to welcome you and say, ‘my good and faithful servant’”.
Family was the most important thing in Dan’s life. He loved his family deeply and unconditionally. He enjoyed talking frequently to everyone and often made facetime calls from his truck while parked on the dock overlooking the bay. He spoiled Debbie and never forgot important dates or holidays. Together they built wonderful memories to last a lifetime.
Dan is survived by his long-time partner Debbie Plant, son Patrick O’Connor, daughter Crystal O’Connor, brother Tim and sister-in-law Sheila, sister Mary Statler, brother Tom and sister-in-law Kathy, brother Martin and sister-in-law Pamela, sister Jill Gilbert and brother-in-law Chuck, and sister Julie Miller and brother-in-law John. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Debbie’s three children thought of Dan as a father figure. He was a grandfather to Debbie’s five grandchildren and was affectionately referred to as “Danpa”. He will be forever remembered and dearly missed.
On behalf of the entire family, thank you all for your unwavering support and prayers during this difficult time.
