Oberlin, Ohio - The Oberlin College athletics department and the John W. Heisman Club mourn the loss of a longtime supporter Kev O'Connor '51, who passed away peacefully on July 3, at 98.

A two-sport standout in football and lacrosse, O'Connor was a founding member of the Heisman Club and served as its president until 1989. Still the school record holder for single-game completion percentage (88.8), which he set in 1949 against Kenyon, O'Connor remains sixth in program history with 34 career touchdown passes after guiding the Yeomen to a 7-1 record during his senior season. 

"Kev's impact on Oberlin College athletics is enduring," Associate Vice President for Athletics Advancement and Delta Lodge Director of Athletics & Physical Education Natalie Winkelfoos said. "As a highly decorated athlete, founder of our Heisman Club, philanthropist, and champion of the student-athlete experience, he was also a faithful friend. His legacy is as strong as he was. Along with our condolences, we offer our deepest gratitude to his family for sharing Kev with us."

A 1943 graduate of Scarsdale High School, where he was a star athlete and an Eagle Scout, O'Connor enlisted in the US Army to fight in World War II. After attending Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned as the youngest 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army.

O'Connor's love for Oberlin grew during his time on campus and the institution remained near and dear to his heart throughout his lifetime. His impact reached far beyond his philanthropic endeavors as he was always generous with his time and hospitality - hosting various athletic teams and Heisman Club-related events.

"It was my true privilege to call Kev my friend," Heisman Club board member and former two-term president Carla White Freyvogel '79 said. "He was committed to the athletic experience for all. He believed that competition, the pursuit of athletic excellence, lifetime fitness, and the life-defining lessons taught through sport were essential. His generosity to Oberlin was both financial and emotional and believed in supporting the student-athlete experience far beyond what the College could provide."

O'Connor and longtime friend Cris Smith '68 were instrumental in making the Austin E. Knowlton Athletics come to life through their shared passion for football and lacrosse. After bonding over their respective athletics careers, they worked closely together in forming the Heisman Club to support those who would follow in their footsteps. When asked to describe Kev, Smith said, "I was a star and Kev was a galaxy. He was head and shoulders above nearly every Oberlin athlete."

O'Connor remained passionate about athletics throughout his life, playing competitive tennis into his upper 80s. Some of his closest friendships were formed on the tennis courts of Washington Golf & Country Club in Arlington, Virginia. O'Connor was extremely fit and worked out daily until the final years of his life. When many men his age were entering retirement, he would entertain friends by doing push-ups from a handstand position.

A member of Washington Golf & Country Club for 45 years, it was the center of his active social life and is where he met his wife Pam. They had formed many close relationships at the Club - often traveling and playing golf around the world with a number of them. Kev was also actively involved in the Wounded Warriors Project and regularly entertained injured veterans and their families at dinner.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 2609 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA with a reception to follow at Washington Golf & Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Lawyers for the People, an organization dedicated to protecting the legal rights of children with disabilities.