Joyce and Hugh O’Connor ’33 SA
The oldest known living alumnus from the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association (BOSHAA) in New Orleans is *Hugh B. O’Connor from the St. Aloysius Class of 1933. Hugh was born 100 years ago on April 14, 1916 to Bella (nee Bland) and Michael G. O’Connor in New Orleans, LA. He attended St. Aloysius located on Rampart Street and Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans from fourth grade through high school.
After graduating from St. Aloysius, Hugh spent six years working in the Freight and Passenger Department for Standard Fruit and Steamship Company. He traveled by freighter a number of times to Cuba and to Central America.
Hugh then enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge where he was an active member of Kappa Alpha Order and Student Body President. In 1942, after attending LSU for just 2 1/2 years he was called by the United States Army to Active Duty early where he spent 3 1/2 years in the Pacific region.
After serving his country, Hugh returned to LSU to complete his studies and received a bachelor’s degree and in 1956 a bachelor’s degree in law studies (LL.B). While attending LSU and after graduating from The Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1956, Hugh worked as Branch Manager for Beer and Company, a local brokerage firm that later merged with E. F. Hutton, a nationally known stock brokerage company, followed by a second merger with Shearson brokerage company. After a long and successful career as a stockbroker, Hugh retired in 1989.
Hugh’s six children attended St. Aloysius in Baton Rouge and he is the proud grandfather of current St. Aloysius students, Thomas and Valerie.
If you know of another living alumnus who has reached 100 years of age or older, please contact the Alumni Office at 504-284-6700.
*Note: Mr. O’Connor passed away on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017.
