Online memories, most from www.legacy.com/PostGazette/GB

"During the summers of 1994 and 1995, I worked at the Schenley Park golf course. On many afternoons, one of Pittsburgh's city councilmen would pull up with his youngest son, and they would practice together on the putting green. They enjoyed the game and enjoyed each other.

"Now 12 years later, with children of my own, it is that memory I've been reflecting on, a memory that somehow taught a 21-year-old kid who was concentrating mostly on which bar he was going to that night a little bit about being a good dad."

-- From Justin Sullivan's blog, sullysstuff.blogspot.com

"When Bob O'Connor was elected mayor, it was as if someone turned the light on in Pittsburgh."

-- Melanie S., New York City

"Bob was the only politician I ever met that when he told me something I believed him."

-- Bill Boyle, Hazelwood

"On Bring Your Child to Work Day, Mayor O'Connor gave my 5-year-old daughter his business card and said, 'If you have any ideas on how to make Pittsburgh better, call me. Or, if your mom is ever really mean, you can call me, too.' He smiled and gave her a hug."

-- Marsha Turner, Allison Park

"I had the privilege to work for Mr. O'Connor 20 years ago. I worked hard, and he gave me my first raise. Years later, I took his work ethic with me, advancing in a big corporation. He had a huge impact on my life. I have never met anyone like him."

-- Michele McDanel, Pittsburgh

"I was at my desk when the phone rang. 'Department of Personnel,' I said. 'Can I speak with Sylvia Robinson?' he said. It turned out to be Mayor O'Connor! He asked me to come to his office to talk about transaction slips I had sent for his signature. But when I arrived in his office, the first thing he wanted to know was how long I worked for the city and where I lived. He was that kind of man."

-- Sylvia Robinson, Pittsburgh

"In April, Mr. O'Connor came to see the city police officers play the Pittsburgh Steelers. He sat next to our family and asked if our son was on the city team. I told him it was my son's first official day as a police officer. He thanked me for allowing my son to serve the city."

--The Seese family, Pittsburgh

"I remember when my daughter played soccer for the Greenfield travel league and her team won the city championship. Mayor O'Connor paid for everyone to go to Big Jim's to celebrate. He sent each child a personalized letter congratulating them."

-- Joyce Valiquette, Munhall

"He was my friend and one of my kids growing up to the Porky beat. We will remember when he stopped by just to say hello and see how we were doing."

-- Porky Chedwick, Pittsburgh

"In August 2005, our brother Jimmy was in intensive care at Shadyside Hospital. For some reason, Bob was there. He recognized me, went into my brother's room and offered his prayers. Jimmy passed away the next day, but we will always remember Bob's compassion."

-- John Colella, Monroeville

"My son's 4th grade class put on a play. Bob was invited. It was not his district, and no one in his family was performing but he was there to show his interest and support for the children. My son is only 10, but he remembers Bob & Judy & Heidy sitting with the parents. No special seating, no grand entrance. Just one of the crowd." -- N & J

"I was a Pappan's employee in the early 1980's, and Bob was my boss. All of us looked forward to his visits to our restaurant because there was always a pat on the back, a big smile, a handshake and a 'how ya doin', good to see ya.' Never yelling or screaming, just constructive criticism on how we could improve things. Usually he would put on an apron, step right in and help during the lunch or dinner rush."

-- Scott MacFarland, Ross

"His granddaughter was in my fifth grade class last year, and in the middle of class, I asked the teacher if I could go to the water fountain. She said no, then shrieked, and I'm thinking, 'What's going on?' Bob O'Connor walks in and the whole class was freaking out, like 'Oh my God, the mayor is in our classroom and we can get our picture with him.' On Saturday, just minutes before he passed away, I found the picture dated March 28, 2006."

-- Stephen Cohen, Forest Hills

"I lived two doors up from the O'Connors on Gettysburg Street when they were first married. I was a little boy, and they looked like a Hollywood couple. Bobby's hair was jet black, and they'd sit on the front steps and wave to everyone. I was so proud when Bobby became mayor."

-- Jimmy Carothers, Cape May, N.J.

"I'll never forget the little jig you did to Jimmy Buffett's 'Margaritaville.' Thanks, Buddy!"

-- David Bhaltazhar, Johnstown

"I'll miss you, Mr. O. One of the finest men I ever met. Sorry about the salad."

-- Charlene Fox, Pittsburgh

"You were a real Pittsburgher, Mayor."

-- Bev Gilbert, State College