Prominent Grand Island community member dies
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - A prominent central Nebraska business owner and philanthropist has died.
Ray O’Connor made his mark on Grand Island and the surrounding community.
O’Connor was the CEO of O’Connor Enterprises, which owns and manages NET lease commercial properties in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota.
He has served as a board member for various organizations, including the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.
A March release listed O’Connor as a trustee for the Diocese of Grand Island and a member of the Grand Island Diocese Finance Council and Central Community College Foundation.
O’Connor and his wife Jennifer received the distinguished NEBRASKAlander Award and were recognized by the Nebraska Legislature in 2019 for their contributions to transforming central Nebraska, particularly the Highway 281 corridor in and around Grand Island.
Following news of his passing, Chief Construction shared the impact O’Connor made on the area.
The post said Chief Construction has had the privilege of working alongside Ray on many projects, but what they will remember is the man behind those projects.
“Ray was generous with his time, his knowledge and his encouragement. He served as a mentor to many of us at Chief, and his influence reached far beyond the buildings and businesses he helped create,” the post reads.
The post goes on to say: “Ray believed deeply in Grand Island and spent a lifetime investing in its people, organizations and future. His leadership, generosity and commitment to service helped make this community what it is today.”
Chief Construction added that they are incredibly grateful to have known Ray, to have learned from him and to have worked alongside him. His impact will be felt in Grand Island for generations.
Local4 reached out to Chief Construction to learn more about O’Connor’s legacy in Grand Island.
Marketing Manager Tana Williams said one of the projects that is especially memorable to Chief Construction is the Early Learning Center in Grand Island.
“Having the opportunity to work with Ray on a project centered on children, families and the future of our community was particularly meaningful,” she said. “It reflected so much of what Ray brought to Grand Island: a willingness to invest in ideas and projects that would have a lasting impact.”
O’Connor gifted the former ShopKo property to build the learning center, which was named in his honor.
O’Connor’s Projects:
- Park Island Square (former Kmart): Home Goods, Planet Fitness
- Northwest Commons (former Grand Island Mall): Dick’s Sporting Goods, Burlington, Tso’s, etc.
- Southeast Commons (former Texas T-Bone): Dollar Tree
- O’Connor Learning Center- Former Shopko
- Ken’s Appliance (Former Shopko)
Chief Construction Business Development/Project Manager Chad Micek said there’s a common theme with the list above. Most of what Chief did for Ray was “redevelopment” projects.
“Ray had an incredible ability to find the good in almost everything whether it was real estate, buildings or people. Especially, people,” Micek said. “Some of those buildings could have been more easily torn down and rebuilt to something different but he did not believe in that. He believed in second chances, again real estate, buildings and people. Everyone he met, he left an impression on them and they on him. He wanted to help everyone he could. He saw something in everyone.”
Micek said one of O’Connor’s favorite sayings was to be a better version of himself every day.
Micek spoke highly of O’Connor, from the way Ray’s eyes would light up when his wife would walk into the room to O’Connor’s intelligence and decision-making. Micek said faith was No.1 for Ray, saying he went to mass every morning.
He said he could go on about O’Connor.
“He was one of those people in your life that is the top five greatest humans who you will ever meet,” Micek said.
Ray O’Connor was also among the first members to serve on the board for the Grand Island Regional Medical Center Foundation.
In a statement, the foundation said he helped lay the groundwork for their mission of supporting Grand Island Regional Medical Center and the health of the community.
Full statement below:
O’Connor also served on the Central Community College Board of Directors.
CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall said “Ray and his wife, Jennifer, have been tremendous supporters of Central Community College, our students and central Nebraska communities. Ray will be extremely missed on the CCC Foundation Board of Directors and local community organizations.”
O’Connor and his wife Jennifer celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in November. He was 79.
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