Antoinette O’Connor

Antoinette O’Connor, a part-time resident of Montauk for 43 years who was called both Rose and Toni, died on Dec. 5. She was 85 and had had a respiratory illness for about eight years.

Mrs. O’Connor was a resident of Pomona, N.Y., at the time of her death. She had previously lived in Garrison, N.Y., where she taught social studies in a junior high school for more than 20 years. In Montauk, she helped her sister and brother-in-law, Bella and Vincent Ierardi, run Luigi’s restaurant, which is now Muse.

Mrs. O’Connor was born on May 1, 1930, in Queens to Charles and Frances Rizzotti. She graduated from Newtown High School in Queens and the State University at New Paltz.

Her family said she had many interests, itemizing some, including the beach, gardening, knitting, cooking, music, dancing, films, family reunions, and animals. They said she engaged in activities “with zest and enthusiasm.” She loved Christmas in particular, and was also known for her sense of humor, for supporting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and for being a good conversationalist. She followed politics and had a hand in two successful proceedings, including a November 1999 decision in favor of Montauk’s Culloden Shores Association, whose members had opposed bulkheads being built by several neighbors. (A state judge eventually said they would have worsened erosion of a community beach.)

Mrs. O’Connor is survived by her husband of 43 years, John O’Connor, who lives in Pomona, and by her sister, who now lives in the Oakland Gardens section of Queens. She is also survived by a daughter, Jodie L. Bardin of Westwood, Mass., a granddaughter, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A brother, Patrick Rizzotti, died before her.

Donations in memory of Mrs. O’Connor have been suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.