Robert D. O'Connor III

Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave Milton Saturday, April 6 from 1pm to 5pm. Interment will be Private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating the trusts of Rob’s children, Quill and Bodi (Robert) to support them in their futures. Donations can be made to Quill and Robert or by check made payable to their mother, Samantha Rafferty, who will distribute them equally. 

Robert Daniel O'Connor III, born in Norwood, MA July 9,1980, affectionately known as Rob or Bobby, passed away peacefully March 25, 2024. He battled hard during his sudden onset illness, continuing to fight even after receiving a liver transplant. He wanted nothing more than to come home to his kids and have dance parties. When he passed, he was surrounded by family and friends, just as he was in life. 

Rob was a master at making strangers feel like they were old friends after just a few minutes, a skill he refined while bartending at Sundancer’s and later at Omni Seaport. He didn't just serve drinks; he served up joy, laughter, friendship, and the occasional unsolicited advice on politics and the Patriots. An accomplished athlete at Dennis Yarmouth High School, he took his talents initially to West Virginia University where he was a member of both the football and track and field teams. He later continued his football career at UMass Dartmouth. An avid lover of all sports, Rob passed that passion onto his children. He was well known in the community as the ultimate ‘Cheer Dad’ and never missed the opportunity to attend a competition. He was in the water at every swim practice, yelling from the side at meets, and set up ‘training sessions’ in the off season. He was the biggest fan and supporter of his wife Samantha and the Walpole High Track and Field teams that she coached. 

Rob's family was his anchor and his sails. He leaves behind his soulmate and wife Samantha Rafferty; his daughter, snuggle buddy, and dance partner, Quill; and his mini-me and social butterfly in training, Robert "Bodi" O'Connor IV. He also leaves behind his mother Ellen (Levangie) O'Connor; his brothers Michael, Stephen, Joseph, and Keith; Rob also leaves behind his godson Noah, several nieces and nephews, and an enormous cohort of brothers, many he had known most of his life, who will always be considered family despite not sharing in DNA. In death, he joins his father, Robert Jr., his Nana and Papa, his Grampy and Big Nana, his Uncle Tom and his beloved four-legged sidekick Odin. He also is welcomed by the beloved children who never joined him earthside, affectionately named 'Zilla and Bebop. 

Rob's interests were as eclectic as his collection of wigs, eccentric hairstyles, and themed outfits. Never one to miss out on a funny t-shirt, he collected many along the years. He could be found giving Clark Griswold a run for his money with his Christmas displays, performing his flawless renditions of Rebel Yell, or practicing Christopher Walken impressions to anyone who'd listen. Growing up he was a regular fixture at Cold Storage Beach, passing that love of the ocean to his children. Family vacations included indulging on pier fries at Old Orchard Beach and hitting the theme parks near North Conway, New Hampshire.

A talented artist, he gave the gift of art to kids who loved doing crafts and drawings with him at home. In his last days, he even contributed to Quill’s love of a themed outfit by helping her curate costumes during a spirit week at school.  He could always be counted on to drop a movie quote or pay homage to his favorite actor, Patrick Swayze.  Although his passion for 80’s action and horror flicks wasn’t shared by his family, his love of a dance party definitely was, especially when he taught his kids the ‘art of the worm.’

There are not enough words to describe Rob’s impact on this world. We remember his kindness, selflessness, impeccable ability to join people together, and his inability to be on time. He loved deeply and was loved deeply by so many, and at worst, liked by all. 

His family can not thank the staff at Beth Israel Deaconess enough, especially the transplant team, the nurses on Farr 10, and the SICU nurses that were there for Rob and his family in the most trying of times. 

In remembering Rob, we can't help but think of his catchphrase, ‘Ya know, just livin’ the dream.’ Rob truly lived each day to its fullest extent and really did live his dreams of having a loving family and joyous life, although cut short. Although no longer here beside us, we all know we will ‘See you on the other side.’

Friends and family are welcome to join a reception following calling hours at the Omni Seaport.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert D. O'Connor III, please visit our floral store.