As many of you have already heard, our former Executive Director of CRISPAZ passed away Easter morning after a courageous five year battle against colon cancer. This is very sad news to everyone that has had a chance to meet and know Dennis, as he was a very caring, gregarious and faith filled individual with a zeal for life.
For those of you that haven't had the chance to meet Dennis, and even for those of you that have, let this blog serve a memorial that sheds a small light on such a great life.
Dennis was a very talented individual with numerous accomplishments through out his life and career. He graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors degree in Journalism and Political Science; served in the Army for five years stationed in Germany as a Second Lieutenant and then honorably discharged as a Captain; worked at numerous newspapers and publications throughout Kentucky and Ohio; spent ten years working for the Catholic Telegraph in Cincinnati; wrote two publications “Bridges of Faith” and “Building Bridges of Faith”; and most recently served as the Executive Director of CRISPAZ. However, I would say, and I think he would definitely agree, that his most important accomplishment was his family. He had been married to his best friend Paula, without whom- he mentioned several times-he would be lost and unable to achieve all that he has. Together they proudly raised their two children Sean and Colleen into the most loving family.
“It is not so much what happens to each of us that determines our quality of life, but rather our reaction to what happens. Though we may have no choice in unexpected events that happen to us, we most certainly have a choice in how we interpret what happens, and in what we choose to do about it. These choices make all the difference in how we experience our world and very much determine our quality of life.”
I ran across this quote a few days ago and I feel that Dennis somehow read it years ago, or even wrote it himself, because Dennis was definitely the embodiment of this. What I mean by this is that when I met Dennis seven months ago, I had no idea that the bearded, almost grizzly, man waving at me from the parking lot directing me on where to park, had been battling stage III cancer for the past four years. When I finally learned that this man who was practically single-handily running the stateside of an international organization was also fighting cancer, I was shocked.
Dennis definitely knew that although having cancer was not his choice, his quality of life while fighting it was. He chose to continue living and enjoy the life that he had rather than succumb to one of self-pity and defeat. During his five year battle Dennis continued working as Executive Director of CRISPAZ taking multiple trips back and forth between the U.S. and El Salvador in order to ensure that this organization continues to operate. In addition to this, he continued to organize and host fundraisers, promote the organization, and secure future delegations. Dennis also, in between CRISPAZ and his family (which you wouldn't think would leave much time) continued to write. One of his more personal and enlightening pieces is his article called "Another Day in Cancerland", which provides a first hand account of life with cancer. In this article it becomes apparent, by his naming of Kuato, that Dennis was not going to let his cancer take all the fun out of life. If he had to have cancer, so be it, but he was going to have it his way!
Over the past seven months I was able to get to know Dennis a little bit more and in addition to showing me the ropes on how a non-profit organization works, and discussing the politics of Latin America, he would share stories with me of how he would use Kuato to play pranks on those he wasn't particularly fond of. And it is this sense of humor, along with his fight for life and passion for justice that I will miss most.
I realize that one person's point of view cannot encapsulate the entire life of another and the impact that they had on others, and even with ten or twenty people it is still not possible. However, I think that by reading the following it will help with the understanding of who Dennis was, and how he has left his mark on the lives of others.
"My favorite Dennis story is one involving his wife. This year an anonymous donation in the form of a one dollar bill showed up at the CRISPAZ office. This infuriated Dennis-the audacity that someone would think that to send a one dollar donation was anything but insulting. Little did he know, the anonymous donor was his wife simply trying to get a rise out of his fiery personality. She was successful, and it made for a hilarious story. I will miss Dennis not only for his strong and devoted passions and work ethic, but his ability to stay positive in any situation. He was the definition of a strong human being and I'm glad I was able to know him."
-Karl Laube, Peaslee Neighborhood Center
"During the period that Dennis and I both worked for the Archdiocese I had the occasion to experience his passion for justice in Central America and his skill as a newspaper professional. The Social Action Office, which I directed, had just completed a significant study report on Central America. The findings and conclusions of this lengthy report needed to be effectively communicated to the wider Catholic community. In his position as an Editor of the Catholic Telegraph Dennis did a masterful job of telling the story of the report through photos and accurate copy, and thus set the stage for action. I glimpsed then his commitment and zeal for the people of Central America, a commitment which eventually led him to CRISPAZ. I am deeply saddened by his death. I shall miss him as colleague and a friend in the work of justice and peace. "
-Tom Choquette, Cincinnati Inter-Faith Committee Worker Justice
"Dennis was a great guy and was the one who really sold me on Brebeuf using CRISPAZ for our El Salvador trips. I still remember him insisting on driving to Indianapolis from Cincinnati to speak at one of our parents’ nights before the trip. He completely made the parents feel at ease and excited about the experience for the students. He was a real joy to work with."
-Nick Klingler Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
"I knew Dennis through CRISPAZ and also through serving with him briefly on a committee planning a special event focused on Catholic mission work. So we would have conversations about church matters, and when I learned he had been a journalist, we talked about our mutual interest in writing as well. He had a great talent with words, a curiosity about the world, and a commitment to making a positive impact--the classic journalist good guy. I admire his spirit, his generosity with his time and energy, and his engagement in righting wrongs. He is a model for infusing your work with resurrection hope."
-Angela Pancella, Peaslee Neighborhood Center
"Dennis you lived which great passion and grace. You faced issues of justice with high energy and dedication. You brought such talent and professionalism to your work. You were deeply cared for and well respected.
May the good earth be soft under you
when you rest upon it,
and may it rest easy over you when,
at the last, you lay out under it,
And may it rest so lightly over you
that your soul may be out
from under it quickly,
and up, and off,
And be on its way to God."
-Eunice Timoney, Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center
"This Lent I have been reading Marcus Borg's The Heart of Christianity. As I hear of Dennis' passing and reflect on his life, especially the last few years, I can't help but see him as one of the followers of Christ who fully embraced God's charge to us to practice compassion and justice. Not content to simply sit back and criticize or lament the sad state of affairs of our world, Dennis made the pursuit of social justice his job. As Borg writes, "…[T]he practice of justice involves consciousness-raising within the church about the effects of social systems (economic, political, and conventional) on people's lives, and then acting on that awareness in ways appropriate to who we are." We are fortunate that Dennis chose CRISPAZ through which to practice his compassion and justice. We, and all those in El Salvador and North America who have been touched by CRISPAZ and its work, are better off for having had Dennis work through and with us as Christians for Peace in El Salvador. May he rest in peace."
-Paul Knapp, CRISPAZ
"Dennis will be sorely missed at Peaslee Neighborhood Center. I feel very fortunate to have known him and was inspired by his work and passion for justice issues. He was always willing to offer guidance for a project or idea and I will really miss his kindness. His family and close friends will be in my thoughts and prayers. "
-Julie Przybysz, Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center
"To the O’Connor Family,
My name is Larry Fogle, and I would like to say a little something about how I met Mr. Dennis. I stated to work at Peaslee in the spring of 2011. That’s when Mr. Dennis and I started talking to each other. We use to talk about how clean the building was and how good it was smelling .From that day we became friends. We would speak to each other every day. I f he needed me to help him carry anything to his car I would help.-And he really enjoyed his Cadillac.
Mr. Dennis, we know that you are not here, but you are still in our hearts and not forgotten."
-Larry Fogle, Peaslee Neighborhood Center
"In May 2010, a friend and I started a non-profit organization to help
educate intelligent yet impoverished kids in El Salvador. We knew we
could not do this without the help of people who know both the country
and how to be successful with a non-profit. We were blessed to cross
paths with Dennis because he essentially took us under his wing
(literally) by ensuring that we had the necessary tools to succeed.
Because of Dennis, we were able to team-up with CRISPAZ in order to use
some of their resources to get started. Without his help and the help
of his staff, especially Francisco Mena Ugarte, we would not be anywhere
near where we are today.
Dennis completely dedicated his time and talents to people of El
Salvador through his work with CRISPAZ. What really amazed me was that
he still took the time to offer us advice and assistance about our
organization when we needed it, and the advice he gave us was truly
invaluable because of the amount of time and experience he has had with
non-profits. I can say with confidence that all of Dennis' work with
CRISPAZ and El Salvador in general will not soon be forgotten. There is
a lot we can all learn from the life of service that he lived, and I
aspire to one day live a life of service like Dennis.
On behalf of everyone at iOYE, we express our deepest sympathy to
Dennis' family and friends. Dennis--you were a great person who will be
sorely missed by many."
-Cory Bronenkamp, iOYE
"Dennis was a man of dedication and caring. What a gift he was to family, friends, and the people of our troubled world. We miss him here but heaven is blessed with a wonderful new resident. My prayers are for Paula, Colleen and Sean. "
-Sr. Alice Gerdeman,CDP , Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center
"Merciful Lord Jesus, accept your faithful servant, Dennis, into you heavenly company. He was your tireless worker in search of those in need, spreading your holy word of solidarity and hope. He had a heavy cross laid on him in his latter years which he took up with a ready will. As Dennis thus shared in your passion, while invoking the company of Oscar Romero, may he now rejoice with him in your Eastering Love.
May his spirit like a mantle fall on his friends and family and in particular on the work of his latter day companions of Christians for Peace in El Salvador, a country dedicated to your saving name. We earnestly pray, Amen. Alleluia! Alleluia!"
-Prayer shared by Fr. Peter Hinde, CRISPAZ
“Dennis: a Transformative Easter Catholic like Romero”
As the director the Archdiocesan Mission Office, it warms my heart when I meet persons willing to be transformed by crossing geographic, social, religious, cultural or economic boarders to discover new “flavors” of God in others. My dear friend Dennis O’Connor was one of those persons who did just that. He inspired many, many people before losing his life to cancer this past Easter. For more than 10 years, Dennis was the managing editor for our Catholic Telegraph (CT) but starting in 2001, he responded to my invitations to take immersion trips with fellow Catholics to our missionaries of our archdiocese and parish twinning partners in Central America.
Dennis was super impressed and inspired by the powerful spiritual insights and actions of the late Archbishop Oscar Romero and other Central Americas who stood up for Catholic social justice teaching….and by the many who were tortured or martyred in the process. A few days before Dennis died, he confided to me in short breaths, “Romero was so transformative ….to so many people…. and to me….I’m ever grateful ….for his life and ….. his death.”
After his Central American visits, Dennis wrote insightful articles that won national awards for the CT and wrote the book, “Bridges of Faith: Building a Relationship with a Sister Parish.” Among his key quotes from the U.S. bishops where:
“Parishes often act as islands of local religious activity rather than as parts of the mystical body of Christ…A parish reaching
beyond its own members and beyond national boundaries is truly a ‘catholic parish’...Parishes need to be more Catholic and less parochial.”
“Solidarity is action on behalf of the one human family, calling us to help overcome the divisions in our world. Solidarity binds the rich to the poor. It make the free zealous for the cause of the oppressed. It drives the comfortable and secure to take risks for the victims of tyranny and war. It calls those who are strong to care for those who are weak and vulnerable across the spectrum of human life. It opens homes and hearts to those in flight from terror and to migrants whose daily toil supports affluent lifestyles. Peace making, as Pope John Paul II has told us, is the work of solidarity.”
From ”Called To Global Solidarity: International Challenges for U.S. Parish” by U.S. Catholic bishop, 1997
As a result of all of his visits and writing, he decided to leave the CT to become the director CRISPAZ, (Christians for Peace in El Salvador) to directly build more bridges of peace and solidarity for the next 5 years, linking Salvadorans and North Americans.
Upon hearing about Dennis’ death, Rosa Anaya, a human rights worker in Salvador wrote:
“I wish to send to the whole CRISPZ family my condolences for the loss of Dennis. I remember when Dennis was part of a delegation when he was the leader, he told me on that occasion that he was committed in this process of constructing peace and building a bridge of solidarity. Dennis completed that promise. My people are grateful for his dedication. I am sure his time on this planet left an imprint on the hearts of many persons. A strong hug to his family.”
Dennis, like Romero, you too inspired me and the rest of us to be transformative Easter Catholics. Vaya con Dios, hermano.
- Mike Gable, Archdiocese of Cincinnati
