Obituary of Thomas O'Connor

Dr. Thomas J. OConnor of Palm City, FL, formerly of Ridgewood, NJ and Blakely, PA died on September 17, 2007. Born on July 28, 1926, Dr. OConnor is survived by his wife, Constance (Kilcullen) OConnor, his five children with his first wife, Eileen (Dickman) OConnor, from whom he was widowed in 1982. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Thomas J. OConnor, Eileen (OConnor) Fischer, Kathleen M. (OConnor) Lacaire, Frank M. OConnor, and James T. OConnor, as well as his step-children with Constance: the late Paul Kilcullen, Nancy (Kilcullen) Oliver, John Kilcullen, James Kilcullen, and Marion (Kilcullen) OGrady. In addition there are 19 grandchildren who will hold their grandfather forever in their hearts. He also leaves behind four siblings: Rev. Francis M. OConnor, S.J., Ellen (OConnor) Fitzgerald, John OConnor, and Timothy OConnor, and was pre-deceased by his sister, Sally Ann OConnor.

Upon his graduation from the Georgetown University Medical School in 1949, Dr. OConnor served in the U.S. Navy. Among his various duties in the Navy, in his final year he served as the Medical Officer on board the U.S.S. Mount Olympus, Flagship, Commander Amphibious Group TWO, U.S. Atlantic Fleet until his honorable discharge in 1952. After his Navy tour of duty, Dr. OConnor began his private practice in Internal Medicine in Glen Rock and then later in Ridgewood, NJ, while on-staff at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. During his 29 years of dedicated service to the community, Dr. OConnor achieved his Board Certification in Internal Medicine and served in many leadership positions including President of the Medical Staff at Valley Hospital.

Dr. OConnor was a remarkable and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Ridgewood, NJ and the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church of Palm City, FL. His time and professional knowledge were also donated generously throughout his life to several compassionate causes, including drug treatment and rehabilitation centers in New Jersey and the Martin County Literacy Council of Stuart, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you send donations to:

Alzheimers Community Care (ACC)

Attn: Jensen Beach Day Care

800 Northpoint Pkwy.

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

A guest registry may be signed at www.foresthillsfunerals.com