Daniel O’Connor Jr., MD, a radiologist and former hospital executive in Massachusetts, died Feb. 18 at age 94, according to his obituary.
Dr. O’Connor graduated from Harvard Medical School and began his medical career as a physician at Miner’s Memorial Hospital in Williamson, W.Va. He later served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy at Quonsett Point, R.I.
He went on to build a career in radiology and was recognized as a diplomate of the American Board of Radiology. He also helped bring the first CT scanner to Massachusetts outside the Boston area, according to his obituary.
“Beyond his technical innovation, Dan was revered for his clinical intuition and caring approach,” the obituary said. “Long after his retirement, individuals sought his insights on their most challenging cases.”
Dr. O’Connor served on the board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and was CEO of St. John’s Hospital in Lowell, Mass. During his tenure at St. John’s, the hospital merged with Saints Memorial Hospital in 1992 to form Saints Memorial Medical Center.
In 2012, Saints Medical Center merged with Lowell General Hospital and became Lowell General Hospital–Saints Campus. Lowell General Hospital later became part of the Burlington, Mass.-based Tufts Medicine system.
Amy Hoey, RN, president of Tufts Medicine Lowell (Mass.) General Hospital, shared the following statement with Becker’s:
“I was saddened to learn of Dr. O’Connor’s passing. My first job in healthcare was as a unit secretary at Saint John’s Hospital.
“Even as a young professional, I knew of Dr. O’Connor’s reputation as not only a skilled leader but as a good person who was beloved by all. His visionary leadership laid the foundation for decades of quality healthcare in Lowell, and his legacy of compassionate, community-focused care continues in our work today.
“On behalf of everyone at Lowell General Hospital, I extend my deepest condolences to Dr. O’Connor’s family, friends and all who knew him. His contributions to healthcare in Lowell will not be forgotten.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Feb. 24.
