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Curtis Thomas O’Connor

Curtis Thomas O’Connor of Branford passed away on Jan. 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and devoted friends, after a brief stay at CT Hospice in Branford.

Curt, as he was referred to by many, was born in New Haven on Feb. 7, 1944. He grew up on King’s Highway in North Haven with his parents and three siblings and attended high school at Cheshire Academy. His pursuit of a higher education then led him to the University of Miami, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1966.

Upon finishing college, Curt worked in sales at the H.B. Ives Co., a historical hardware company in the New Haven area. In 1973, he made the transition to Burton Financial Services, where he began his lifelong career in investments and insurance. This motivated him to become an entrepreneur and successfully build two leading financial services businesses: O’Connor Financial Services in 1977 and then Horizon Benefit Group in 2004. He was the founder and CEO of both. He was at HBG until he sold the business and retired in 2016. In the early 1970s, he was also part owner of two Dunkin Donuts franchises along with his childhood friend J. Robert Anderson and brother-in-law John B. Morse III.

From 1986 to 1992, Curt served on the Board of Trustees at Hamden Hall Country Day School, where two of his daughters were students. He was also a long-standing member of the Quinnipiack Club and the New Haven Country Club and was an active member at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club right up until his death. He and his wife, Melodie, were strong supporters of many local charities and organizations, including the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter and the Pine Orchard Union Chapel. Melodie and Curt also shared a strong love for their dogs, many of whom were rescued from shelters and brought incredible joy to their lives. Their latest rescue, Scooby, was a loyal companion who brought such comfort to Curt in his final days and remained by his side until the end.

He had a lifelong love for the game of golf, was an avid collector of rare coins, and had a passion for antique automobiles. You would often find him working in his yard and taking meticulous care of his property, a passion and skill he inherited from his father. Curt loved to have a good time, and you could always count on him to be the life of the party—whether singing karaoke with his friends or showing off his dance moves. Above all else, his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Poppy,” were his ultimate pride and joy.

After a life well-lived, Curt leaves behind a profound legacy and will forever be remembered as a pillar of strength and for the words of wisdom he instilled into his family. His most important role was that of a loving and dedicated father and grandfather, and he was committed to his family right up until his final day.

He is predeceased by his parents, Leon J. O’Connor, Jr., and Mary Turnbull O’Connor; his sister MaryEllen Doolittle; and his in-laws, Ruth Lane and Stephen V. Lane, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Melodie Lane O’Connor; his three loving daughters, from his first marriage to Sue Morse O’Connor, Beth (Phil) Moyles, Amy (Chris) Paleski, and Kim (Ben) Adams. He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Philip and Kate Moyles, Olivia and Payton Paleski, and Chloe and Carter Adams. In addition, he leaves behind his brother Leon J. O’Connor, III; his sister, Denise (Bill) Davis; sister-in-law, Laurel (Eric) Oyen; brother-in-law, Stephen V. Lane, III; and his partner, Sandy Quinlan, as well as many cherished friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either of the following organizations: Pine Orchard Union Chapel by visiting www.pineorchardchapel.com or The Connecticut Hospice by visiting www.hospice.com.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate doctors, nurses, and entire staff at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford and to all those who provided support and care for Curt during his final days.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. Burial will be private.

A Celebration of Life in Curt’s honor will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Pine Orchard Union Chapel, 25 Chapel Drive, in Branford.