To support the fund, they host the yearly "O'Connor Cookie Cruise" on the Gateway Clipper Fleet, which is attended by thousands.
[4][5] O'Connor graduated from Central Catholic High School and earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Duquesne University.
His district includes the neighborhoods of Glen Hazel, Greenfield, Hays, Hazelwood, Lincoln Place, New Homestead, Regent Square, Squirrel Hill South, and Swisshelm Park.
O'Connor's vacated city councilmember position was succeeded by Democrat Barbara Greenwood Warwick in a special election on November 8, 2022.
[17] On December 10, 2024, O'Connor announced that he would run for Mayor of Pittsburgh in the 2025 election, challenging Ed Gainey in the Democratic primary.