Walter F. O’Connor, Ph.D., professor of business, died on Friday, Aug. 24, at his home in New Jersey. He is survived by his wife, Marie O’Connor, and three children, James, Jeannie, and Walter Jr.

O’Connor “was a cornerstone of the MBA Accounting and Taxation program at Fordham Business,” according to Howard P. Tuckman, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School of Business Administration, and Donna Rapaccioli, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business Administration.

“His enthusiasm for Fordham and his honest, no-nonsense approach to life earned him respect within the academic and professional worlds,” the deans said. “He will be missed greatly throughout our Fordham community. We mourn the loss of such a strong pillar of our school, and we hope you will join us in sending the warmest support to his family.”

O’Connor served as vice chairman and international member of the board of directors at KPMG Peat Marwick before coming to Fordham in 1987.