WILMINGTON — Robert Edward O’Connor March 17, 1970-October 15, 2025
Robert Edward O’Connor, 55, of Bald Head Island, North Carolina, passed away on October 15, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, with his family.
Born Robert Eddy Winslow, Jr. on March 17, 1970, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, he was adopted at age two by Patricia and James O’Connor. He was, thereafter, known as Rob O’Connor. He celebrated having the “luck of the Irish” because he was “an O’Connor born on St. Patrick’s Day”. Luck did tend to follow him, and his beliefs were confirmed when his first-born child shared the date of his lucky birthday in 2017.
Growing up in Cary, North Carolina, Rob demonstrated grit, independence and strong entrepreneurial inclinations. He graduated from Apex High School in 1988. He attended East Carolina University (1988-1995), earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA.
During college, Rob was a devoted member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Beta Phi, #512. His passion for ECU football was legendary; for over two decades he held Pirate Football season tickets and could be found cheering loudly from the stands-often ribbing anyone who dared leave early or miss a game. He was known as the “Silverback”, the tribe elder, the one who summoned everyone to show up and show out.
Rob loved everything related to real estate. He worked in Charlotte, North Carolina, starting Queen’s Gate Realty Advisors, The Win Group, and Pirate Places.com, LLC. His love for East Carolina University continued with his interest in university housing in Greenville, North Carolina, Pirateplaces.com: “Because living in the dorm sucks!
On September 19, 2015, Rob married Millicent Marcelene McKie and began the family he always dreamed of having. After falling in love with Bald Head Island, NC, Rob moved his family there in 2019. Rob was a present and devoted father. His best days were spent taking his children to get “hot eggs” at the Maritime Market , for walks in the “woodsies”, taking naps in the hammock, playing the “hook game” with Little Rob, swimming, and going to the Grille with his family for dinner.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Millicent M. O’Connor; his daughter, Clara-Margaret Mary O’Connor; and his son, Robert Edward O’Connor. He also leaves behind his sister, Lizbeth Ruba, and her husband, Norbert Ruba; nieces Ashley and Alex Ruba; sister, Lauren Winslow; and nephews, Rio and Xenon Winslow.
Rob was preceded in death by his biological parents Robert and Dreama Winslow and by his adoptive parents James and Patricia O’Connor.
Rob’s legacy is one of courage, loyalty, perseverance, and love (-and Purple Pride). He was loved by many. His memory will bring comfort to those who loved him and will remind us to cherish the little time we have together on this earth.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Southport Christian School in Rob’s memory.
