I've added a pic of the football team from 1967 at MHC 
John Hartnett

Hi June..its Nora..been a long time my friend. Just heard about your Dad..sending love and light to your family in this difficult time. Nora Schaeffer --email..norahsmassages@gmail.com

I found out today that Tom passed on. Our time helping Mary Help was clearly his passion. I too, remember that smile and that handshake so firm. A beacon of light to any kid he touch. While I lost touch with him as I retired out west, you never forget the special ones who leave their imprint on all they touch. God's Grace be with his new walk.

Many years ago we had dinner at your house. Denise invited Adam and I over and it was the first time you and Tom had met Adam. Tom called him John all the way through dinner and even after we told him his name was Adam, Tom never stopped calling him John.  Every time I saw Tom, for years, he would ask me how John was and to tell him hello from Tom.  LOL.

Uncle Tommy was a legend whose good looks, contagious smile and sense of humor captured the hearts of anyone who knew him.  He met the love of his life when he met Joke and together they touched the lives of so many, creating the perfect love story.  It is safe to say that Tom Connor has inspired many, many others to be the best they can be and the world is a bit sadder today without him.

Sorry I was not able to go to the cemetery & reception I just felt to sad and just could not go. The service was beautiful, Tom would have been proud of all the wonderful thoughts for him. Tom was truly a kind understanding person that was admired by all. He will  be truly missed. But like my mother said behind every successful man is a well determined, understanding wife. Joke this best descries you. You and Tom (aka sweetheart) had the most meaningful marriage, you could have been the posted couple for what marriage is all about. He will truly be missed but we will always have the finest memories f what a super individual Thomas Patrick Connor was, it was truly a honor and privilege to be his friend.

Wherever I would go with Tom, whether Miami, New York or San Francisco, everybody knew Tom Connor and had great things to say about him.  He was effective and inspiring as a coach, a benefactor and a friend.  It was always a pleasure to spend time with Tom, and now I look forward to seeing his wife, Joke, to share some of the great memories of our time together.  May he rest in peace!

Dad, you are my Father and my Best Friend.  Everyone who knew you are so lucky to have shared your beautiful life. Dad, if I could say just between you and me, one thing I've learnt about life is -how fast it goes by - it seems we have forever to explain how we feel then...Whoosh!  I am very grateful to be your daughter and you have always been there for me no matter where I was in the world.  You are my hero I could always turn to  and now I am so sorry I could not be with you.

For all of us that knew you Dad, you are one of a kind and a great man admired and respected.  A lifestyle most people are seeking and you accomplished it.  A sense of  humor that never left you was a feature of many social occasions and we are very proud of you and love you deeply.  

AND..
Thank you to all of you that love my Dad.  I also want to give special notice to all those who have helped Dad Tom and Mom Joke especially Dad's Doctors , Nurses and Hospice and to all my extended family and friends.
Love, June and Skippy Australia

I was saddened to hear of Tom's passing and lamented that his funeral notice could not appear in the Tampa Tribune. That is where it belonged. I met Tom there. He was an established member of the advertising sales force. I was a twenty-two year old rookie. I watched how Tom worked, then tried to emulate him. I remember his firm handshake, easy smile and the slightly mischievous gleam in his eyes. He had the walk of an athlete, but even more, the walk of a man content with his life's purpose. May God's grace guide his walk now.

Tom, it was an honor knowing you and being your friend.  I will miss your wonderful smile, kind words and your silly humor.  You leave behind so many people that love you and you will meet up with so many of your friends that have gone before you in the most wonderful place ever.  Joke, you are what I want to be as a wife.  You were his best friend, a friend to all of his friends and you never once gave up on him, especially, in his sickest hours. Tom loved you and his daughters so very much.  God Bless all of you.

I've known Tom for over 45 years and I  have wonderful memories of our many years together at the Tampa Tribune, as well as the many lunches we had in our retirement.He was a giant of a man in so many ways who enjoyed life to the fullest.He had a huge heart and the world would be a better place if there were more Tom Connors..
My condolences to the wonderful Joke and their family.

My favorite Uncle Tommy, there isn't anyone I know that could hold a candle to him. His life was full of purpose and he made such a difference in his works and by giving of himself. From his magnanimous looks to his charismatic being, my uncle could charm anyone in to most anything and always with a smile.  It was his dry wit, humor and positive outlook that kept people coming back for more - just to be around him. I am so proud to have been a part of his life and grateful that he had his beautiful wife to compliment & accompany him for 49 plus years.  Joke was certainly the light in his life.

It was my pleasure to meet Tom when I began working at the Tampa Tribune. I remember his fantastic outlook on life. I also remember listening to many of his famous poems, and I finally was the recipient of a Tom poem at my retirement party. Tom never complained even though in the last few years he was not 100% he always had a smile and positive words. He will be missed at our Tribune luncheons. Rest In Peace

Tom will be missed by all. Not only speaking for my own self, but the passing of Tom Connor leaves a huge whole in the heart of the Tampa Bay Community. His presence is still felt at the Mary Help of Christians Campus and I was honored to have met and known Tom and Joke for the past 25+ years. May You Rest in Peace Tom and May God watch over your family.

I worked with Tom for many years at the Tampa Tribune.  He was a great guy and always happy.  Tom came to my retirement party 13 years ago which I appreciated.  He will be missed.

I was a boarder At MHC in 7th, thru 9th grade. Tom was one of my coaches.(He was chiseled long before it was in) I had just recently reached out to the school to speak with Tom. Joke called me back 10 days ago and said that Tom was in ICU, and she didn't think he would make it . I asked if I could speak with him, she said. "I don't know that he will still know you". We spoke for 30 minutes, he remembered everything, we talked about his children and mine it was really one of those God moments. I got a text from her on Friday that he was failing fast and she gave me their address. I told her I was at a men's retreat at Grace Family Church and will try to make it down on Saturday. I got a text very early Saturday morning that he had died on Friday. I wept so hard in the car with my daughter Danae. I was surprised that it affected me as much as it did. I will be 67 on the 23rd and I am losing more and more of my memories, or at least the people who made them with me. I've learned life is never devoid of pain, loss, and periods of suffering. I'm also learning to not waste the suffering. I have come to believe that most are tools of God to transform us into better images of God himself. Someone said, a crisis is an unwelcome opportunity to discover a new aspect of Jesus Christ in us. And what you see depends on where you stand. Tom always stood taller than other men but now I think it was more of what stood out from within him.  What a great man of faith and character!   My brother Wayne followed me at Mary Help 13 yrs later and remembered Tom vividly. I met Tom 53 years ago and his character is truly part of the fabric of my life. Dennis Piller 1963 to 1965  MHC

My first assignment as a Salesian brother in 1964 was as a teacher at Mary Help of Christians school in Tampa. One of the first people I met was Tom. He was a most welcoming friend to have as I started my new adventure! He was at the school everyday after work to help  Fr. Molina and the kids in their preparations for football. Tom was a great coach and mentor to so many young boys; helping them become your men. I still see him pulling up in his brand new '64 mustang....what a car!
His continued dedication through his whole life to Mary Help of Christians is legend. I am sure that Fr. Molina and Bro. Kevin have welcomed him warmly as he begins his new life.
Joke, you and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers. You're love and care for Tom over these last years are truly inspirational.
Love, Chris, Shauna and Bob

I was one of coach Conners players and he was one person I looked up to. He pushed us to be the best on and of the field. He expected a lot of us and made all of us want to give 100%.for him.he was a great man.

My uncle was the life of any gathering with his strong, deep voice, his charismatic smile, and a sense of humor that had no limits.  Tom Connor gave so much to so many people, and I am ever grateful for showing me how to be the one man that can make a difference.

Tom touched the lives of so many students at MHC and his beautiful spirit also touched me as I shared with him my duties as an educator at the school. Don Bosco , during his last days, said "Tell all my boys that I will be waiting for them in Paradise."  Tom, I am sure you met him on Friday along with the many boys you have influenced with goodness in your life.  Rest in glorious peace, Tony Fasulo

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Thomas Patrick Connor

27 décembre 1933 – 21 octobre 2016

Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service