Gregory C. O'Connell, a retired NYPD detective whose unwavering commitment to fairness, community, and long-term stewardship helped revitalize Red Hook, Brooklyn, and Mount Morris, New York, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at the age of 83.
Born in Brooklyn in 1942 and raised in Cambria Heights, Queens, O'Connell was a lifelong New Yorker who measured his life not by material wealth but by compassion, purpose and impact. Over the course of a remarkable journey—from substitute teacher, to decorated police detective, to visionary real estate developer—he transformed communities by revitalizing neighborhoods through thoughtful redevelopment projects, restoring vibrancy to areas long overlooked.
O'Connell graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 1964 with a degree in teaching, initially following in his father's footsteps by joining the New York City Police Department. Standing 6'4" and an accomplished two-sport college athlete, he was notably successful in apprehending suspects, earning recognition and promotion to detective. He served the NYPD with distinction for 17 years, a period that deeply shaped his sense of duty and empathy for working-class families.
His real estate journey began in 1967 when he purchased his first building in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill neighborhood, renovating it while still working nights as a detective. Driven by an injury sustained at a renovation site and an enduring passion for restoring neglected buildings, he retired from the force and dedicated himself fully to real estate. By the late 1970s, he had amassed numerous properties across Cobble Hill, Columbia Waterfront and Carroll Gardens.
Yet O'Connell dreamed bigger, aspiring to revitalize the neglected Red Hook waterfront, historically a bustling maritime hub. In the early 1980s, he purchased his first Civil War-era warehouse, seeing potential where others saw decay. Gradually, he acquired and meticulously restored dozens of historic buildings, providing affordable spaces for small businesses, artisans, nonprofits and local entrepreneurs. His approach to development was characterized by humility, collaboration and an unwavering focus on community betterment rather than personal profit.
His vision extended far beyond Brooklyn. In 2008, driven by a desire to revive Western New York's small-town Main Streets near his alma mater, he purchased and rehabilitated more than two dozen properties in the historic village of Mount Morris. His work there demonstrated how thoughtful economic revitalization could occur without displacement or exploitation, earning him recognition in prominent publications such as The New York Times.
Throughout his life, O'Connell received numerous awards and accolades for community development, historic preservation and civic leadership. Despite these honors, he remained humble, shunning the spotlight to focus on mentoring, teaching and empowering others. He measured his work not in the amount of buildings or square feet he acquired, of which there were many––he saw his profit in the form of business succeeding and residents feeling a new sense of pride in their community, which he hopefully changed for the better.
Friends and family remember him for his enormous presence, quiet humility and genuine kindness. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, imparting his values onto his next generation. He lived simply, believed deeply in hard work, fairness and the intrinsic value of listening. His guiding philosophy—"a developer's greatest asset is the community"—was evident in every action he took.
Gregory C. O'Connell is predeceased by his parents, Gregory and Marguerite O'Connell, and his brother, Robert O'Connell. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; his sons Michael (Tracey) O'Connell of Queens and Gregory T. (Johana) O'Connell of Brooklyn; his grandchildren Ian T. O'Connell, Michael A. O'Connell, Gregory A. O'Connell, and James T. O'Connell; his brothers Donald (Phyllis) O'Connell of Port Orange, FL, and Michael (Eileen) O'Connell of League City, TX; and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.
