08/19/2026
The Literacy Council of Grand Island joins our community in mourning the passing of Ray O’Connor, a quiet giant whose generosity, leadership and belief in Grand Island made an impact that will be felt for generations.
Ray was instrumental in helping make the building we call home today possible. Because of his vision and willingness to help, the Literacy Council has had a place where adults from throughout our community can come to learn English, prepare for citizenship, meet with tutors and work toward a better future for themselves and their families.
That was who Ray was.
He didn’t need recognition or attention. He simply saw a need and found a way to help. His leadership often happened quietly, behind the scenes, but the results of that leadership can be seen throughout our community.
Every class held in our building, every tutor sitting across from a student, every new English word learned and every person preparing to become a U.S. citizen is, in some small way, part of the legacy Ray helped make possible.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Jennifer, the O’Connor family, and the many people whose lives were touched by Ray.
Thank you, Ray, for believing in the Literacy Council and for believing in this community.
You may have been a quiet giant, but the impact you leave behind speaks loudly. 💜
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