David M. O’Connor Fund

Dave’s family established this scholarship fund as a way to remember and to celebrate Dave’s life. Dave was a lifelong resident of Wakefield who graduated from Wakefield Memorial High School Class of 1972. He was a great lover of fine food and dining. Always a lifelong learner, he became especially interested in the culinary arts when his son Tom was at Johnson & Wales University. This scholarship fund will have a preference for students studying culinary arts and hospitality. Dave was a graduate of North Adams State College and also received a Masters in Public Administration from Northeastern University. He worked for the Mass. Housing Finance Agency for over 25 years, having started with a staff of 3. Through his leadership, the agency grew to 30 members. He was known as a kind and caring person to all those whose life he touched. He also possessed a wonderful sense of humor.

Scholarship Recipients

2025

  • Jolene Dhungana — University of Rhode Island
  • Carlee Graham — University of New Hampshire
  • Nathan Ickes — Johnson and Wales University
  • Rita Sarkissian — University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • Ayla Willis — University of Massachusetts, Amherst

2024

  • Lucie Abenante — University of Vermont
  • Nathan Ickes — Johnson and Wales University
  • Rita Sarkissian — University of Massachusetts – Amherst
  • Kathleen White — Western New England University

2023

  • Meghan DeCourcy — Clark University
  • Elena Greco — University of Massachusetts – Amherst
  • Nathan Ickes — Johnson and Wales University
  • Melydia McCall — New York University