Michael Sean O’Connor
August 16, 1967 - June 9, 2025
“The music never stops” 

Mike O’Connor, 57, of North Augusta, SC passed away on June 9, 2025 peacefully, surrounded by love. Mike was born on August 16, 1967 in Dallas, TX.

Taken away much too soon, Mike was a loving and devoted father whose life was filled with love, laughter, and music. Those who had the privilege of knowing Mike have undoubtedly encountered a music enthusiast. 

Even as a young child his love for music was a part of him. His parents would place a guitar near him as he slept, knowing that when he woke up and saw it he couldn’t resist and they would wake to the sound of a passion that he would carry into the rest of his life. 

To Mike, music was much more than just background noise. It was how he connected, celebrated, and showed up for the people in his life. 

He had a gift for turning songs into memories and concerts into traditions. Mike’s love of music became a passion that he was able to instill and share with his number one fan, his very best friend, his child AJ. Mike and AJ built memories into each melody, and now those melodies will carry him forward in AJ’s life as a reminder that his love will never fade. 

Music carried Mike through every part of his life including his time spent at Auburn. After graduating Berkeley Prep School in 1985 Mike went on to attend Auburn University where he earned his degree in communications. During his time at Auburn, Mike was a proud brother in the TKE fraternity. Through TKE, he found a brotherhood that remained a meaningful part of his life long after graduation. 

Ask him about Auburn and you would always get a smile and a story. He bled orange and blue and carried that pride with him everywhere he went. War Eagle!! 

Mike is survived by his beloved child, AJ O’Connor, his mother Patricia (Quin) Herlik, sister Tricia (Dan) Guy, and brother Jeffrey O’Connor. Mike not only leaves behind his family but a whole crew of friends who became his extended family-The kind of people you don’t let go of. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Jeff O’Connor.

Mike’s favorite moments were spent at concerts with AJ making memories that meant everything to both of them. It wasn’t just about the bands, it was about being together and doing something they both loved. That’s the kind of love that never fades. That’s where he will always be. 

To remember him, play the songs, go to the shows, raise the volume, wear the orange and blue and allow yourself to feel it all. That’s how we keep his memory alive.