The man behind Sandra Day O'Connor

John J. O'Connor, husband of retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, died at age 79 today of complications arising from Alzheimer's disease, the court said in a statement.

John O'Connor, a lawyer who practiced at firms in Phoenix and Washington, had been suffering from the disease for years. His deteriorating condition was the primary reason for Sandra Day O'Connor's 2006 retirement from the court.

O'Connor is survived by his wife, three sons and six grandchildren.

-- Bloomberg

Update: Click here for the obituary written by Valerie J. Nelson.

Photo: Sandra Day O'Connor with her husband, John J. O'Connor, in 1998. Credit: Karin Cooper / Getty Images

Comments

[Gwenn]

Perhaps what we should most remember regarding the death of Mr. O'Conner is the character and bravery of Mrs. O'Conner. When her husbands Alzheimer's disease took complete control over him, and he no longer remembered her or his family, she did the single most courageous, selfless act a person can do for their loved one, she let him go. Mr O'Conner had no recollection of his family and had started a relationship with a person in his group home. Ms. O'Conner and her family had to deal with this, after spending their lives with him. It is heartbreaking to say the least. I admire her and her family for dealing with this tragedy on top of dealing with Mr. O'Conners Alzheimers. It just broke my heart for her when I read this. We need to do more regarding the dreadful disease, My thoughts and prayers are with the O'Conner Family as they deal with ALL if their losses.