Defining a Man’s life in a short synopsis really does a disservice to the Man, his Family and Friends. While we all knew him here on Earth he is known also to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Having friends on both sides of this journey allows us the smooth transition to our final destination. Here on Earth he is known by his name Thomas O’Connor Jr. Tom, age 91 of Port St Lucie, FL was born on July 31st 1931 in the city of Fall River, Massachusetts to Thomas O’Connor and Mary Mae. He played baseball in Kennedy Park & loved to play as the catcher for his team and any other team that needed one. He could put a ball out of the park or catch one and send the batter to the bench. He was also an active boxer and Pilot. He graduated from Diman Regional Voc Tech H.S. and entered the Army in July of 1949. He was a Forward observer, communication specialist and also a Half Track Sgt. who was a trained gunner on Quad 50’s (Four 50 caliber machine guns). Not knowing at the time when he was sent to Korea in July of 1950 that he would soon use those skills to defend his crew as well as himself against the onslaught of Chinese and North Korean Soldiers. Spending about a year there he was involuntarily extended when his enlistment was up because the situation called for more men. His crew suffered no wounds or deaths but others around him were not so fortunate. Very few of his fellow soldiers who served with him survived the conflict and he always spoke fondly of them and his lost comrades. He suffered bouts with Malaria and cold exposure to his feet that would haunt him the rest of his life. Returning home he met and fell in love with Claire Diane Ross and together they had five children, all of whom turned out to be boys, much to the chagrin of his Charming wife who had to put up with six men in the house. During his marriage he joined the Fall River Fire Dept and drove the ambulance for the Veterans association which he loved to serve. As a General Contractor he owned and operated C D O’Connor Construction Company and built houses and made his own homes where his children and other families would gather. He would surround himself with less fortunate children at times coming from orphanages in Fall River so that they could share the joy of family. After retirement he moved to Pt St Lucie, FL. His focus in life was to share with family and friends and he will be remembered for his generosity. He loved the area and stayed there until his death on August 11, 2022. His wishes were to spread his ashes upon his favorite playground Kennedy Park. He passed peacefully on August 11th with his beloved wife of 67 years, Claire by his side. Having celebrated his 91st Birthday on July 31 with family by his side he got to blow out his last candles.
He is survived by his wife Claire Diane O’Connor, four sons Thomas O’Connor (Nicole), Michael O’Connor (Michelle), Timothy O’Connor (Brenda) & Kevin O’Connor (Jen) 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 2 siblings Judith Ronka & John (Jack) O’Connor
The O’Connor family extends their love and appreciation to all that have been an integral part of Tom’s life. He will remain in our hearts forever and be greatly missed.

Please contact family members for Service Arrangements.