The John and Jean O’Connor Scholarship Fund was established in 2025 by their family with contributions from members of the Branford swimming community. The award honors a senior at Branford High School who has been a dedicated member of the swimming and diving team and has exhibited sportsmanship and leadership. The recipient also has been in good academic standing and plans to continue their education in a post secondary or trade school.

John O’Connor was deeply rooted in the Branford community. He met his beloved wife, Jean, during summers at his family’s cottage in Branford, and together they made this town their lifelong home for 58 years. Here, they raised their family and built a life centered around service, education, and community.

John’s professional life was dedicated to education. As a special education teacher and school psychologist, he championed students’ growth and success. Even after retiring, his commitment continued—serving as Vice-Chairman of the Branford Board of Education and as a member of the Walsh Intermediate School Building Committee.

Yet John’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. A gifted swimmer and revered coach, he helped shape generations of young athletes. As a founding coach of the Branford Stingrays and longtime coach at the Pine Orchard Club, his influence was far-reaching. At Branford High School, he led both boys and girls swim teams to a total of 15 state championships. Under his guidance, over 200 swimmers earned All-State honors, including 12 All-Americans. His contributions were recognized with inductions into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame and the Connecticut Coaches Hall of Fame, and the naming of the Walsh Intermediate School pool in his honor.

Jean worked as the secretary to the principal at Walsh Intermediate School and enjoyed working with the entire staff and students and especially with Principal Fran Walsh. She served the Branford community in many ways. She annually organized the program for the Branford Education Hall of Fame and the fundraising booklet for the Branford High School swim teams. She also acted as the surrogate Mom for the Branford swim team annual Florida training trip. She was secretary of the Sunrise Cove Association and an active member of the St. Therese choir for over 30 years. She was honored with service awards for many years of dedication to the Branford Recreation Department, the Branford Education Hall of Fame, and the Branford High Swim Teams.