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Thomas E. O'Connor
Our Thomas (Tom) Edward O'Connor, 80 years old, of New City NY, passed away on 2/17/18 in the presence of his beloved wife Helen and loving family. Tom was born on May 5, 1937 to Edward and Winifred (Lyons) O'Connor who both emigrated from Ireland to NYC in the early 1900's.
Tom grew up in the Bronx and attended Visitation Grammar School, All Hallows HS and graduated from Manhattan College in (1961) where he is a Hall of Fame catcher for the Jasper baseball team. After college, Tom was drafted by the Major League Pittsburgh Pirates organization to play catcher for their Triple AAA team. Beyond his professional sports career, Tom was a U.S. Marine Corp PLC and a special FBI agent for 25 years. After retiring from the FBI, Tom took on the assistant Director of Security role at ABC Capital Cities in their NYC World Headquarters.
Most important, Tom met the love of his live Helen Marie Fennelly 58 years ago and they were married on June 6, 1959. Together, they have 4 children and 12 grandchildren that Tom was actively involved in all their lives. He was a Little league and Babe Ruth coach, CCD teacher, avid golfer and voracious reader of all genres. Irish history and culture were his speciality and his deepest love. He was known throughout Rockland and Montauk NY for his expert fiddle playing and could be found in numerous Irish musical session groups in restaurants, weddings and festivals. He loved attending all children's and grandchildren's sports and activities and had a special knack of making each of his grandchildren feel like they were his favorite.
He was predeceased by his father, mother, sisters Margaret and Nancy and brother John.
Tom is survived by his four children: Thomas O'Connor (Susan Haggerty), Robert O'Connor, Brian O'Connor (Jacqui Carpenter), Christine O'Connor (Brian Coffey) and his 12 grandchildren: Colin, Emily, Danny, Kirstin, Brian, Kyle, Michael, Renee, Kiley, Jack, Quinn and Camille.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday February 20 from 3pm to 8pm at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday February 21st, 10am at St Augustine's Church, New City, followed by Interment at Gethsemane Cemetery, Congers, NY, 10920.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc..
March 4, 2018
Michael Smyth
I have the fondest memories of Tom, or "Red" as I called him, over the years. He helped me in my skills as a baseball catcher when I was 12 years old, and I enjoyed our discussions at the Kingsbridge Reunions many years later about our respective careers in the government. "Red" has always been the same "Red" - one of the most consistent individuals I have ever met. I will miss him. God bless "Red" O'Connor.
February 24, 2018
Friend
Joan Monaghan
We are saddened to hear of Toms passing. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.
February 22, 2018
Kendra Waldbusser
So sorry for your loss.
February 20, 2018
We will never forget the great friendship and good times in Montauk - always in our thoughts and prayers - Mary and Bob DaRos
February 19, 2018
Laura Santoro
So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathies
February 19, 2018
David and Jeanne Connors
God bless Tom.
Tom and his family are in our prayers.
February 19, 2018
josephine oneill
Known as Red to me when we were growing up in our fabulous neighborhood he was a great, kind, and gentle guy. Feel privileged that he was a friend. Pat Smyth O,Neill
February 19, 2018
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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Feb
20
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc.321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956
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Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc.321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956
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