Pensacola, Florida Resident and Former Forest Park Middle School Basketball Coach, Fred O’Connor Passes Away, Leaving Behind His Wife, Tracey and Family

December 31, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 30, 2026

Pensacola, Florida, and Forest Park, Illinois, communities are mourning the death of former multi-sports coach Fred O’Connor.

Fred O’Connor passed away earlier this week, leaving his family and loved ones devastated. He was in his early 80s.

A native of Forest Park, Illinois, Fred O’Connor was a cherished of both Illinois and Florida sports communities and touched the lives of numerous students and athletes with his remarkable coaching skills and his career as a teacher.

He graduated from St. Francis High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and basketball, and led his team in several victories.

Fred further continued his career as a coach and teacher for decades. He was a multi-sport coach at Forrest Park Middle School, coaching both the basketball and softball teams and leading them in several victories.

Likewise, Fred O’Connor also served as basketball coach at St. Michael Central High School from 1968-1972.

Beyond his coaching journey, Fred served as a health teacher at St. Michael Central High School. He also served as a basketball coach in Pensacola, Florida, and touched the lives of several young athletes.

Although Fred O’Connor retired from his coaching career before his demise, his love for sports was immense.

Fred continued to play basketball with his beloved wife in Pensacola, Florida, playing at the Pensacola Senior Games and winning several titles.

Furthermore, the passing of Fred O’Connor has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.

Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late coach and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

One of his former students took to her social media to pay tribute to Fred O’Connor and wrote:

Fred O’Connor is Survived By His Longtime Wife, Tracey, Children and The Entire Family

In addition to being an amazing coach, Fred O’Connor was a great husband to his longtime wife, Tracey Schnell Overby O’Connor.

The couple was happily married for decades, raising their children to be successful in their respective fields.

While Tracey hasn’t shared any statement regarding the demise of her beloved husband, she often shares pictures of Fred on social media, expressing her love and pride.

Fred O’Connor also never missed a chance to express his love and pride for his longtime wife, Tracey. The couple lived an adventurous life, travelling to different places and attending several games.

Fred O’Connor also leaves behind his son, Fred O’Connor, his daughter, Kelly O’Connor Reyes, stepchildren, grandchildren, and the entire family.

Kelley O’Connor Reyes took to her social media to pay tribute to her late father and wrote:

Similarly, Fred’s son, Fred O’Connor, also shared a heartfelt tribute to him on social media and wrote:

Fred O’Connor’s contribution to the sports community and his kind nature will always be remembered. His family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.

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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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